Marion Sico is facing a lengthy ban after her B doping control sample from this year's French Championships also tested positive for EPO. The French rider revealed the results of the counter-analysis in a social media post, but she continues to maintain her innocence.

Cicotte, of Belgium's Dolcini Van Eyck Sport, tested positive for EPO on June 27 after finishing 10th in the French championship time trial.The 27-year-old Cicotte was notified of a positive A sample for La Course by Le Tour de France in July He withdrew from the race after receiving.

"A few weeks after the urine test, the results of the B sample corroborated the initial analysis. Despite these results, I will once again assert my innocence and will do everything in my power to prove it before the relevant authorities."

Cicotte, speaking to DirectVélo after the news of her initial positive test broke, claimed that women have higher levels of EPO during menstruation.

This claim was denied by Michel Audran, former director of the anti-doping laboratory at Chatenay-Malabry. He told Le Monde that Sico's claims were "totally fanciful," noting that EPO testing distinguishes between endogenous and exogenous EPO.

"Many doubts need to be removed and some gray areas clarified," Sico wrote Monday.

"The battle will be long and arduous, but I am determined to fight it to defend my honor and the values I have carried for so many years.

Sico had been training with Julien Alaphilippe's cousin and coach, Frank Alaphilippe, but they ended their cooperation earlier this year. Frank Alaphilippe, who is set to join the Detunink Quickstep coaching staff for the next two years, told L'Equipe magazine that he has been coaching Cicotte remotely using e-mail and an online training platform. He added that Julien Alaphilippe was "angry" when he heard of Sicot's positive test.

On Monday, Sicot noted that any further statements on the matter would be made through her legal counsel.