ROME (AP) — An Italian Olympic Committee panel confirmed a two-year ban for cyclist Luca Ascani who tested positive for EPO last year.

Ascani, Italy's time trial champion, appealed an earlier recommendation by the Olympic Committee's anti-doping prosecutor that sought the ban.

Traces of the blood-boosting hormone were found in Ascani's "A" and "B" samples at the Italian national championships on June 26 last year, when he won the time trial.

Ascani was suspended Aug. 2 by the Italian cycling federation pending the outcome of the appeal.