Christian Pfannberger has been banned for life by the national anti-doping agency, the Austrian Cycling Federation confirmed today.

Pfannberger, who tested positive for the blood booster EPO in March, has twice failed a doping test.

Austrian Cycling Federation (ORV) board member Herbert Kocher told the body's official website: "It is what we expected to happen after he was caught twice.

"We are one of the federations that are leading the fight against doping with full force and are therefore happy with the result."

Pfannberger can appeal against the punishment.