A government official says seven Spanish cyclists are under investigation for doping, with two close to receiving sanctions for abnormal blood readings.

Albert Soler, director general for sports, declined to name the riders involved but says Tour de France champion Alberto Contador is not among them.

Soler says the cases with the abnormal readings "are in the final phase of investigation," adding that "an overwhelming blow" has to be struck against doping.

Soler spoke at a news conference Thursday with Jaime Lissavetzky, secretary of state for sport, and Javier Martin del Burgo, director of Spain's anti-doping agency.

Contador was provisionally suspended on September 29 after testing positive for a banned stimulant during the 2010 Tour de France.