The Belgian cyclist was hit with the ban on Thursday after performance-enhancing drugs were found in his house last month.

The ban will start on Friday and run until 21 September.

Sainz was found to be carrying suspicious vials and syringes in his vehicle.

And on Thursday, Belgian federation president Laurent De Backer confirmed Vandenbroucke's ban.

Last month he hit out at the 27-year-old, saying: "This is terrible. Not only for the image of Belgian cycling but for cycling in general.

"Who is going to give him another chance? Nobody. Vandenbroucke's career is over."

The Belgian's manager Paul de Geyter described the ban as too "heavy a punishment".

He added: "In practice, it comes down to a suspension of 11 months to a year."

Vandenbroucke had already been sacked by his Domo-Farm Frites team.