The International Cycling Union said the decision was made to ensure that the race, which starts July 1, runs smoothly.

The announcement, made late Saturday, came two days after the federation said two of three experts felt more analysis was needed for a proposed urine test for EPO developed by France's doping lab.

Hein Verbruggen, the federation president, had voiced disappointment with the decision, saying he hoped a resolution could be reached before the Tour got under way.

In the later statement, the federation said it expected EPO tests "could finally be validated in the coming months," adding that, "If a later analysis shows the presence of EPO, rules and sanctions can still be applied."

EPO, or erythropoetin, enhances endurance by boosting the production of oxygen-rich, red blood cells in the body. It was at the center of the Tour de France drug scandal two years ago and is believed widely used in several sports.

There has been no reliable test to detect the artificial use of the hormone. Instead, the cycling federation has relied on a test to measure riders' red blood cell count.

If the count is over 50 percent -- a likely sign of EPO use -- riders are given a compulsory 15-day ban on health grounds.