British cyclist Simon Yates fails drugs test 'using asthma inhaler'

ByReuters

Updated 29/04/2016 at 06:46 GMT

British rider Simon Yates, a strong contender to make Team GB's Olympic cycling squad, has failed a drugs test due to an "administrative error" over the use of an asthma inhaler, his team Orica-GreenEDGE said on Friday.

Britain's Simon Yates celebrates his gold medal during the men's points race at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk

Image credit: Reuters

The Bury-born 23-year-old had returned an adverse analytical finding for Terbutaline, a common treatment for asthma, from a test conducted at the Paris-Nice stage race last month, Orica-GreenEDGE said in a statement.

"The substance was given in an ongoing treatment of Simon Yates' documented asthma problems," the Australian team said.

"However, in this case the team doctor made an administrative error by failing to apply for the TUE (therapeutic use exemption) required for the use of this treatment.

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"This is solely based on a human error that the doctor in question has taken full responsibility for.

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"There has been no wrongdoing on Simon Yates' part. The team takes full responsibility for this mistake and wishes to underline their support for Simon during this process."

Orica GreenEDGE added it was submitting documentation to the world cycling governing body UCI in order to "clarify everything".

Yates, the twin brother of fellow professional cyclist Adam, won the points race title at the 2013 world championships in Minsk.

The positive test is another blow to British Cycling which has been rocked by the departure of technical director Shane Sutton this week following allegations of sexism and discrimination.