“The substance [Terbutaline] was given in an ongoing treatment of Simon Yates’ documented asthma problems,” read the statement. “However, in this case the team doctor made an administrative error by failing to apply for the TUE required for the use of this treatment.

“The use of Terbutaline without a current TUE is the reason it has been flagged as an adverse analytical finding. This is solely based on a human error that the doctor in question has taken full responsibility for.”

“The team is concerned by the leak of this information and has no further comments until there has been a full evaluation made of the documentation, statements and evidence that the team and Simon Yates are now submitting to the UCI in order to clarify everything,” the statement continued.

Yates and his brother, Adam, who is due to start the Tour de Yorkshire today (Friday April 29) signed for Orica-GreenEDGE ahead of the 2014 season.

…and just when you thought the week couldn’t get any more depressing.

— Chris Hoy (@chrishoy) April 28, 2016

News of Yates’ failed test will come as a further blow to British Cycling, following the resignation of technical director Shane Sutton earlier this week amid claims of sexism and discrimination.

Sutton is alleged to have told Jess Varnish to “go and have a baby” after the sprinter’s Olympic contract was not renewed, while subsequent allegations of discrimination against Paralympic athletes later emerged.

British Cycling announced an inquiry into the allegations, while Sutton, who “rejects the specific claims”, resigned to ensure the issue did not “become a distraction” with less than 100 days to go until the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.