Team Sky rider Jonathan Tiernan-Locke is to face disciplinary proceedings after anomalies were found in his biological passport data.
Cycling's governing body, the UCI, issued a statement on Tuesday morning confirm that following analysis by its Experts Panel, the biological passport of the British rider "has demonstrated an anti-doping rule violation (use of prohibited substances and/or methods)".
In accordance with its anti-doping rules the UCI has now requested Tiernan-Locke's national federation, British Cycling, to initiate disciplinary proceedings.
Tiernan-Locke becomes the first Team Sky cyclist to face disciplinary action for anti-doping infringements. In a statement this morning in response to the UCI's announcement, Team Sky set out Tiernan-Locke's intention to defend himself against the charge and confirmed that he will not ride for the team pending the outcome of a disciplinary process:
"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.
"We understand that the violation was highlighted by an anomaly in his Biological Passport, in a reading taken before he signed for this team.
The statement added: "There are no doubts about his approach or performance in Team Sky. This is a team that trains, races and wins clean."
Tiernan-Locke's management company, Trinity Sports Management, also responded to the UCI announcement with a statement on behalf of the rider:
"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."
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