Paris – Team Sky rider Jonathan Tiernan-Locke faces disciplinary action after his biological passport showed “anti-doping rule violation”, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Tuesday.
“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),” the UCI said in a statement.
“Consequently and in compliance with the UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the UCI has requested his National Federation to initiate disciplinary proceedings.”
If found guilty, Briton Tiernan-Locke could face a two-year ban.
In September, the 2012 Tour of Britain winner had been withdrawn from racing after being questioned by the UCI over a discrepancy in his blood data.
“We have no doubts over his performance, behaviour or tests at Team Sky and understand any anomaly is in readings taken before he joined the team,” Team Sky then said.
Tiernan-Locke then pulled out of the world championships' road race in Florence, Italy. He has not raced since then. – Reuters