Competition leader Danilo Di Luca was excluded from the ProTour series by the International Cycling Union, after the Giro d'Italia winner received a three-month doping ban earlier this week.

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• Doping ban for Di Luca

"Having learnt the decision sentenced by CONI who condemned Danilo Di Luca for a three-month suspension period starting on 16th October 2007, the UCI announces that the Italian rider is excluded from the UCI ProTour ranking in accordance to the article 1.2.133.1 of the UCI regulations," the governing body said.

The decision puts Australia's Cadel Evans top of the ProTour standings with on race to go, Saturday's Giro di Lombardia in northern Italy.

Evans has 227 points, 36 more than his nearest rival, Tour de France winner Alberto Contador of Spain.

On Tuesday, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) suspended Italian Di Luca for his links with Carlo Santuccione, a doctor accused of supplying doping products to athletes.

Liquigas rider Di Luca described the decision of CONI, the governing body for all sport in Italy, as an injustice and said he was considering making an appeal.