The International Cycling Union (UCI) has asked for Spanish Vuelta a Espana runner-up Ezequiel Mosquera to face disciplinary proceedings for alleged doping.

The UCI says it has asked the Spanish cycling federation to examine the case, after a seven-month investigation since Mosquera tested positive for a banned masking agent during the 2010 Vuelta a Espana.

Mosquera's urine sample had traces of hydroxyethyl starch, which can hide the effects of endurance-boosting hormone EPO.

The UCI said it asked Mosquera for an explanation, then continued its probe at the World Anti-Doping Agency laboratory in Cologne, Germany.

The governing body says it's "now the responsibility" of Spanish officials to decide if the 35-year-old rider broke anti-doping rules.