British cyclist Rob Hayles, withdrawn from competition on the first day of last week's World Championships following an anomaly in a blood test, is expected to be cleared of doping.

The 35-year-old Olympic silver-medalist gave an haematocrit reading 0.3% over the 50% permitted by the International Cycling Union in a routine pre-championships test.

The test was introduced by cycling's governing body in 1997 in a bid to limit the illegal use of EPO.

A high haematocrit reading can be an indication the drug, which boosts oxygen levels in the blood, has been used but it is not proof.

Riders with levels over 50% are deemed not fit to race on health grounds as blood which is too rich in oxygen-carrying cells brings the risk of a heart attack or a stroke.

But British Cycling's performance director Dave Brailsford told the Guardian further tests suggest Hayles is innocent.

"It will be another two and a half weeks before we have proof beyond doubt," Brailsford said.

"But he has been tested every second day and the results so far show absolutely nothing untoward.

"I can't say categorically yet but so far the results are consistent with those of a clean rider."

Next Wednesday, if a fresh blood test shows his haematocrit level is below 50%, Hayles will be reissued with his racing licence.

And a UCI urine test is expected to give a definitive verdict on Hayles as it can detect the presence of the synthetic version of the hormone, which is naturally produced by the body.

Hayles continues to insist he has done nothing wrong.

"My main frustration is not with the testing - I believe it has to be there - but I think there needs to be anonymity," Hayles said.

"The situation now is that I'm guilty until proven innocent, and it's a bit ironic that I was stood down on health grounds - the stress I've had in the last week has probably knocked a few months off my life."

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