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Updated at 5:58 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2009

Cycling: Track cyclist Keisse fired in doping scandal

Associated Press

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Belgian track cyclist Iljo Keisse was fired by his team today following a positive doping test during his victory in last year's Six Days of Ghent.

Topsport Vlaanderen team leader Christophe Sercu said the backup"B'' sample had confirmed that the 25-year-old rider had used illegal substances.

"We had no other option to take," Sercu told VRT network.

Keisse said he tested positive for the stimulant cathine and a diuretic that can be used to masked doping.

Keisse, one of track cycling's most promising riders, finished fourth with teammate Kenny de Ketele in the Madison final at this year's Beijing Olympics.

With German teammate Robert Bartko, he won the Six Days and Munich this fall. He is likely to be stripped of his victory in the Ghent Six Days.