Paris-Nice riders delayed the start of the seventh and final stage by 10 minutes in protest at a drugs test imposed on Belgium's Kevin Van Impe as he was preparing for his son's funeral.

Van Impe lost his son shortly after the baby's birth last week and a doctor sent by Belgian authorities to conduct an out-of-competition test earlier this week refused to come back at a later date.

"Given that riders, who are above all human beings, understand and accept the tests that they have to undergo, they expect, in turn, that their dignity is respected," the

Professional Cyclists Association said in a statement.

The Quick Step rider said he had been threatened with sanctions should he refuse to take the test. Van Impe is currently out of action with a knee injury.

Reuters