Spanish cyclist Patxi Vila of Lampre has confirmed that he has tested positive for testosterone in a surprise drugs test.

However the rider claimed he was innocent of wrongdoing.

"Before people start twisting things and saying things that aren't true I would prefer to explain what happened," Vila told El Diario Vasco.

"They detected a level which didn't correspond with the [International Cycling Union's] parameters.

"The quantity was very small indeed. In reality it is a positive but until the 'B' test we can't say any more."

Reuters