Floyd Landis, who tested positive for the banned male hormone testosterone during his 2006 Tour de France triumph, has been found guilty of doping by a U.S. arbitration panel.

"He has been found guilty. It proves that the system works no matter who you are," Pat McQuaid, president of the International Cycling Union (UCI), said.

Landis, 31, who is set to become the first Tour de France winner to be stripped of the title, said in a statement: "This ruling is a blow to athletes and cyclists everywhere. I am innocent, and we proved I am innocent."

McQuaid said Oscar Pereiro, who finished second to Landis in 2006, would be the winner of the race, the first Spaniard to succeed since Miguel Indurain's last victory in 1995.

"Under our regulations, Oscar Pereiro will be declared the winner of the 2006 Tour de France," said McQuaid.

Three arbitration experts decided Landis had injected himself with testosterone after lengthy deliberations following a USADA hearing in May.

Landis now faces a two-year ban from the sport.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2007)