Britain's Robert Hayles and Pim Ligthart, of the Netherlands, were today kicked out of the Track Cycling World Championships in Manchester after failing pre-race blood tests.

The cyclists returned results over the 50 per cent blood haematocrit level and are now automatically suspended for two weeks, said the International Cycling Union.

Haematocrit levels above that level are an indication, but not proof, that illegal blood-boosting may have taken place.

Hayles, who won two silvers at the 2004 Olympics, was due to ride in the individual pursuit event today, while Ligthart was entered for Friday's men's points race.

A total of 66 tests were carried out on riders from the United States, Australia, the Netherlands and Britain this morning but all the other riders were cleared to race.

Meanwhile, Tour de France organiser Patrice Clerc said today the Astana team are still banned from this year's race but could return in 2009 if they stay free of doping scandals.

Astana were thrown out of last year's race when Alexandre Vinokourov tested positive for blood doping.