Cycling's ruling body said yesterday it supported the two teams being investigated by Italian drug squad officers and called for anti-doping laws to be harmonised across the world.

Italian police searched the hotels and vehicles used by the Belgian Davitamon and Spanish Saunier Duval teams during the Giro d'Italia on Wednesday, seizing hyperbaric equipment and a quantity of intravenous drips.

While hyperbaric machines, which replicate high altitude environments, are not illegal under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, they contravene stricter Italian laws.

"The UCI would like to show its solidarity for the teams in the Giro d'Italia, particularly Davitamon-Lotto and Saunier Duval-Prodir, as well as for the doctors who must be able to continue doing their jobs while respecting the law, of course, but also respecting their ethical independence and responsibilities," the International Cycling Union said.

"While we fully respect Italian law, this situation shows the urgent need for a true harmonisation of regulations covering the fight against doping, which the UCI has demanded for a very long time..."

The Giro has been hit by a series of doping scandals in recent years. In 2001, police officers raided riders' hotel rooms seizing drugs and medicines. Ten riders are on trial under Italy's strict anti-doping law introduced in 2000.

McEwen wins 10th stage

Australia's Robbie McEwen won the 10th stage of the Giro d'Italia from Ravenna to Rossano Veneto yesterday.

The Davitamon rider beat Italy's Alessandro Petacchi and compatriot Stuart O'Grady in a sprint finish.

Italy's Danilo Di Luca finished in the same time as McEwen to retain the race leader's pink jersey.