As a result, Spaniard Oscar Pereiro, who finished second to the American in the overall standings, has been named the new 2006 Tour de France champion, added the source, who declined to be named.

Landis, 31, has been found guilty of doping by a U.S. panel of judges on Thursday following a positive test for the banned male sex hormone testosterone during his victorious ride on the French roads in July 2006.

"A letter is being sent to the riders, the Tour de France organizers and the French federation," the source said.