The Lampre-Merida cycling team pulled reigning champion Chris Horner out of the Tour of Spain on Friday, deeming treatment he was receiving for bronchitis was a health risk.
The American was given doses of cortisone after suffering bronchitis during the Tour de France and Tour of Utah and had been cleared to race by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
However, the team adhered to the regulations of the Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC) after Horner showed a cortisol level lower than the minimum recommended amount.
"Of course I'm sad about this news. Trying to defend the 2013 title Vuelta was my main target in the season. The team signed me with the aim of being competitive in the Spanish race, but I accept the decision linked to the MPCC's rules," Horner said in a team statement.
"This bad bronchitis has caused me a lot of problems. I've been suffering for it for weeks and this treatment could have allowed me to solve the problem.
"UCI gave authorisation for the treatment. I could race according to UCI rules, but my team is member of MPCC - I understand it and we all must accept this situation without regrets."
Horner produced a major shock when he became the oldest Grand Tour winner at 41 last year by beating 2014 Tour de France winner Vincenzo Nibali to victory in the gruelling three-week race.
This year's event gets under way on Saturday in Jerez with last year's Tour de France winner Chris Froome and Giro d'Italia champion Nairo Quintana the favourites.
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