Slovenian rider Tadej Valjavec has been banned for two years after his biological passport showed evidence of doping.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld an appeal by the International Cycling Union (UCI), which wanted Valjavec sanctioned even though he never tested positive for a banned drug.

CAS says Valjavec's sample results were "entirely consistent with blood manipulation."

It's a third straight victory for the UCI at sport's highest court in cases involving its flagship anti-doping program. The UCI challenged the Slovenian cycling federation's decision last July to clear Tadej Valjavec, who denied doping.

The 34-year-old rider was fined US$76,000 and suspended through January 19, 2013.