British cyclist Jonathan Tiernan-Locke banned for abnormalities in biological passport

Jonathan Tiernan-Locke

London, July 18 (IANS) British cyclist Jonathan Tiernan-Locke was banned for two years after abnormalities were found in his biological passport, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said.

The rider was also fired by Team Sky for doping, reports Xinhua. Biological passport was an anti-doping measure, which tracks a rider's blood profile over time to look for evidence of doping.

The UCI announced in December 2013 that Tiernan-Locke faced a disciplinary hearing after analysis of his biological passport showed "use of prohibited substances and/or methods."

His ban lasts through Dec 31, 2015. Tiernan-Locke, 29, won the Tour of Britain in 2012.