ICU requests extension on Sevilla's ban

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AIGLE, Switzerland -- The International Cycling Union has asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to increase Spanish rider Oscar Sevilla's six-month ban for a doping offence.

The UCI says it filed an appeal but no hearing date has been set.

Spain's cycling federation suspended Sevilla after he tested positive at the 2010 Tour of Colombia for hydroxyethyl starch.

The substance increases blood volume and can mask the use of EPO.

Sevilla denied doping and said he had been treated in a Colombian hospital after a crash.

He raced while awaiting his case and was fourth at the Tour of Utah in August.

The 35-year-old Sevilla was fired by the T-Mobile team in 2006 for links to the Operation Puerto case, though he was never charged.