Aix-les-Bains, France - Spaniard Isidro Nozal and Michele Scotto D'Abusco of Italy will not be riding the Dauphine Libere stage race Sunday after both riders failed early morning blood tests.

The 27-year-old Nozal rides for Liberty Seguros run by Manolo Saiz while 22-year-old Scotto D'Abusco rides for Lampre-Caffita.

Both were among those from four teams tested early in the morning Sunday ahead of the opening prologue of the seven-stage race, an individua time trial held over 7.9km.

The teams tested were Liberty, Domina Vacanze, Lampre and AG2R, the latter being the only non Pro Tour team on the race.

Blood tests target riders' hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample). If the level is over 50 percent - an indicator though not proof ofblood doping - the rider is declared unfit to race and provisionally suspendedfor two weeks while further tests are carried out.

The Dauphine Libere will end next Sunday. The race is a crucial warm-up for the Tour de France in July. Six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, a two-time winner of the Dauphine,will ride the prologue at 5:14 p.m. local time.