The International Cycling Union (UCI) said yesterday that some riders will be let off with a warning in future if they are found to have taken "light" drugs containing caffeine or ephedrine.

The ICU said in a statement that all pending doping cases involving such drugs - often found in over-the-counter cold cures - would be treated under its new, more lenient rules.

"The UCI has realised that strict application of anti-doping rules can lead to situations where the punishment is clearly disproportionate with the facts, especially during a stage race," cycling's ruling body said.

The UCI said its new policy was in accordance with the International Olympic Committee's new anti-doping Medical Code.

"These changes present the possibility of punishing in a more appropriate way for a first offence for using the so-called `light' substances during a stage race, notably with a warning if circumstances permit," it added.

The UCI also agreed to allow a second blood sample to be analysed when the haematocrit level in a rider's blood breaches the regulation limit of 50 per cent.

Blood testing was highlighted this year when Marco Pantani was excluded from the Giro d'Italia on the eve of his victory.

Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara won his second successive world junior men's time-trial championship in Treviso, Italy yesterday covering the 25.850km course in 30 min 36sec.

Rousian Kaiumov of Russia was second 42 seconds down and Christian Knees of Germany took the bronze another six seconds back.

Dutch rider Leontien Zijlaardvan Moorsel powered her way to an easy defence of her Time Trial Championship title.

The 29-year-old dominated the race covering the 25.85 km course in 32 minutes 31 seconds to cross the finishing line four seconds ahead of World Cup title holder Anna Wilson and 31 seconds ahead of Edith Pucinskaite.

Olympic champion and time trial specialist Zoulfia Zabirova of Russia finished in fourth position.