CyclingInternational Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid has rejected a claim by Tour de France winner Floyd Landis that his positive dope test had been a result of flawed procedures.

The American is likely to lose his title after a positive test for testosterone after his remarkable victory in the 17th stage.

At a news conference at the end of the Tour of Germany yesterday, Dubliner McQuaid said Landis had been treated "within the rules".

"We acted correctly," McQuaid said. "We informed the team, the rider and the federation that there had been an irregularity. Then we issued a press release saying that an unnamed rider had been found positive in the Tour.

"His team published his name, two days later. We make no excuses for our communique."

He also rejected criticism of the Paris laboratory that handled the Landis sample.