Cyclist Benjamin Martel has been suspended for two years for a doping violation at the Quebec provincial road race last August, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport said Wednesday.

Martel exercised his right to a hearing, which delayed process, the Canadian Cycling Association said in a release.

"This case of doping further highlights the need for continued testing and education," CCA president John Tolkamp said.

"We must continue to educate the young riders on the need to race clean."

Martel was found with elevated levels of testosterone. He blamed the failed test on a cream he used to heal wounds on his inner thighs. He said he got the cream from a trucker and could not afford to have it analyzed.