Jonathan Tiernan-Locke “vehemently denies” doping after the UCI asked British Cycling to open disciplinary proceedings against the Team Sky rider following analysis of his biological passport.

Tiernan-Locke was informed of irregularities in his biological passport data in September and a statement issued by cycling’s world governing body today confirmed that further analysis by the UCI’s Experts Panel has “demonstrated an anti-doping rule violation.”

The statement read: “The analysis of the biological passport of Mr Jonathan Tiernan-Locke by the Experts Panel has demonstrated an anti-doping rule violation (use of prohibited substances and/or methods).

“Consequently and in compliance with the UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the UCI has requested his National Federation to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

“UKAD and WADA have been informed of the matter pursuant to the UCI Anti-Doping Rules and the WADA code.”

Read more at http://roadcyclinguk.com/racing/jonathan-tiernan-locke-to-face-disciplinary-proceedings-over-anti-doping-violation.html#KmWQdpyMCpXSLSAt.99

Tiernan-Locke’s management company, Trinity Sports Management, issued a counter-statement to announce that the 28-year-old will fully contest the charges and “is looking forward to a speedy and just resolution”.

The statement read: “Jonathan Tiernan-Locke was notified that the UCI wish to instruct British Cycling to instigate proceedings against him regarding an abnormality in his
biological passport.

“Mr Tiernan Locke vehemently denies the charges brought against him and has informed the UCI that he fully intends to contest them. Mr Tiernan Locke will not ride for Team Sky, attend training camps or undertake any team duties until a decision is made in these proceedings.

“Mr Tiernan Locke is looking forward to a speedy and just resolution of these unfortunate charges. Until a decision has been reached, Mr Tiernan Locke will make no further comment on the matter.”

Tiernan-Locke joined Team Sky in January 2013 after winning the 2012 Tour of Britain with Endura Racing. Team Sky says the anomaly in the Devon rider’s biological passport relates to a reading taken before he signed, and today issued a statement to re-iterate the team’s anti-doping stance.

“Jonathan Tiernan-Locke will not ride for Team Sky or take part in any team activities – including training camps and all team duties – until a decision is made in this disciplinary hearing process,” read the statement.

“We understand that the violation was highlighted by an anomaly in his biological passport, in a reading taken before he signed for this team.

“There are no doubts about his approach or performance in Team Sky. This is a team that trains, races and wins clean.”