Double Paralympic champion Michael Gallagher has been axed from the Australian team for Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

Double Paralympic champion Michael Gallagher has been axed from Australia’s team for Rio 2016 after he failed a drugs test, it was announced today.

Gallagher, winner of gold medals at both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012, tested positive for erythropoietin during a training camp in Italy in July.

The 37-year-old will not be able to defend the individual pursuit crown he has held since the Paralympics in the Chinese capital, with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency (ASADA) confirming that Gallagher would be suspended while they investigated the matter further.

In a statement, the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) said: "The APC has taken immediate action to remove Michael Gallagher from the 2016 Australian Paralympic team in Rio.

"This follows Gallagher’s mandatory provisional suspension handed down by the APC and Cycling Australia today, after ASADA confirmed Gallagher has returned a positive doping sample.

"Gallagher was tested out-of-competition at a training camp held in Italy in July.

“His A-sample tested positive for erythropoietin."

The APC said they would publish further information in a more detailed statement "in due course".

Michael Gallagher will not be able to defend his Paralympic individual pursuit title at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images
Michael Gallagher will not be able to defend his Paralympic individual pursuit title at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

The Scottish-born Australian, one of the leading names in his sport, also claimed bronze medals in the road race at Beijing 2008 and in the road time trial in London four years later.

His positive test provides a blow to the Australian team at Rio 2016, due to get underway with the Opening Ceremony at the Maracanã Stadium on Wednesday (September 7).

"Michael Gallagher’s position on the Australian Paralympic cycling team for Rio 2016 has been terminated, effective immediately," Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said.

"The APC fiercely supports the fight against doping in sport and this is a reminder to all athletes that they will be caught if they do not comply with the rules, regardless of intent.”

Cycling Australia chief executive Nick Green said the organisation "fully supported" the action taken by the APC and the ASADA.

Australia’s team for Rio 2016 is expected to feature 177 athletes competing in 16 sports.

It is not yet known whether the APC will decide to install a replacement for Gallagher with the start of the Games less than a week away.