Team Sky’s Jonathan Tiernan-Locke has received a two-year ban from cycling, as well as being stripped of his 2012 Tour of Britain title, on the grounds that he violated anti-doping rules.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) issued the following statement today:
“The Union Cycliste Internationale confirms receipt of the United Kingdom National Anti-Doping Panel’s decision on the Jonathan Tiernan-Locke case. A two-year ban was imposed on the rider as a result of his anti-doping rule violation based on his Athlete Biological Passport. He is declared ineligible until December 31, 2015 and disqualified from the 2012 Tour of Britain and the 2012 UCI Road World Championships, competitions during which abnormalities were clearly identified.”
As a result, Team Sky terminated Tiernan-Locke’s contract with immediate effect today, to wit:
“Jonathan’s contract has been terminated today," team principal David Brailsford said in a press release.
“Whilst there have been no doubts about his time with us, his doping violation – from readings taken before he joined this team – means there’s no place for him in Team Sky.
“We’ve a well-known stance on anti-doping and our action is the inevitable outcome of a violation."
The news was brought to light, when the UCI updated its anti-doping violations list today, subsequently revealing the British rider’s name. The UCI later issued a brief press release confirming the ban.
"The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirms receipt of the United Kingdom National Anti-Doping Panel’s decision on the Jonathan Tiernan-Locke case. A 2-year ban was imposed on the rider as a result of his anti-doping rule violation based on his Athlete Biological Passport. He is declared ineligible until December 31, 2015 and disqualified from the 2012 Tour of Britain and the 2012 UCI Road World Championships, competitions during which abnormalities were clearly identified. The UCI recognises the work of UKAD in providing the rider with a fair and independent hearing. At this stage, with the relevant appeal windows open, the UCI will not make any further comment on the case."
Tiernan-Locke fought back the allegations with the UK’s anti-doping agency, arguing that the values were due to natural reasons, rather than the use of banned substances.
Tiernan-Locke joined Team Sky at the beginning of 2013, after a prosperous year in the Continental ranks, that saw him win the Tour du Haut Var, Tour Méditerranéen and the Tour of Britain.
However, between illness and being pulled from competition in September of 2013, after testing positive, Tieman- Locke hardly ever raced for Team Sky at all.
The 29-year-old rider has been suspended until December 31, 2015, and he carries the stigma of being the first Team Sky rider to be banned for "doping".
Tiernan-Locke continues to deny the allegations.
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