German rider Patrik Sinkewitz was suspended earlier today after becoming the first cyclist to test positive (non-negative) for human growth hormone.

World governing body UCI said Sinkewitz, who has already served a one-year doping ban, tested positive for HGH at the 2011 Grand Prix di Lugano on February 27. He is now provisionally suspended pending a hearing by the German cycling federation.

Sinkewitz's blood sample was analyzed at the World Anti-Doping Agency's accredited lab in Lausanne. He can ask for his backup "B" sample to be tested.

"This is the first suspension delivered in cycling on the basis of a test for the detection of the growth hormone and one of the first cases in all sports combined," the UCI said in a statement. "This adverse analytical finding is therefore a new and important step in cycling's fight against doping."

Terry Newton, a former British international rugby league player, was the first athlete suspended for a positive HGH test last year. He admitted taking the substance and was banned for two years. Newton died in September at age 31.

Sinkewitz tested positive for testosterone in an out-of-competition test before the 2007 Tour de France and was fired by his T-Mobile Team. He was banned for one year, half the usual suspension because he cooperated with German investigators and shared details about doping in cycling.

Last year at the Tour of Luxembourg, Sinkewitz said he had learned from his mistakes.

"I'm convinced the International Cycling Union is doing more than any other sport in the fight against doping," he said at the time and added "The UCI is always making the first step and the other sports then follow."