Xavier Florencio will not start for Cervélo TestTeam in the 2010 Tour de France which starts tomorrow in Rotterdam. Although Florencio was part of the team's Tour de France 2010 roster, the team has decided to immediately withdraw him due to a violation of internal policies.

According to the team's internal rules, values and regulations, Cervelo TestTeam riders are required to obtain permission from the team's medical staff before they can use any supplements or medication.

According to a team spokesman the team earlier this evening found out that Xavier Florencio has been using a substance containing ephedrine to treat a saddle discomfort - likely a saddle sore. This substance was not cleared in advance with the team's medical staff so the usage violates the team's rules.

Florencio is suspended from competition until the team can make a final determination based on all collectable facts.

Florencio's suspension has dented morale in the squad, a Cervelo TestTeam director said.

Florencio was expected to be riding to support Cervelo TestTeam's two leaders Carlos Sastre and Thor Hushovd and take part in breakaways and breakaway sprints when suitable for the captains.

At this point there is no information on whether Florencio can or will be replaced by a new rider. The team's original backup rider Daniel Lloyd has already been made part of the Cervelo TestTeam 2010 Tour de France roster because Heinrich Haussler was removed fro mthe roster because of his knee injury - so unfortunately no backup rider is standing by. Most other teams have two standby riders, which obviously would have been helpful in this situation.