British team reaffirms zero-tolerance anti-doping stance after recent embarrassments
Having been embarrassed by Canadian rider Michael Barry’s confession of doping during his time on Lance Armstrong’s US Postal team, the employment of Belgian doctor Geert Leinders, as well as the controversy of directeur sportif Sean Yates’ previous involvement with the Texan - both as a teammate and directeur - Team Sky has released a statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on doping.
In proclaiming its intention not to employ anybody with a history of doping, either in its rider roster or staff, meant that there was no room on the team for reformed doper David Millar; recent events have caused the team to ask all personnel to further commit to a clean sport.
“Team Sky has had a clear position on doping from the very start,” reads the team’s statement. “We are a clean team and have shown it is possible to win clean.”
All members of the team are currently attending its regular end-of-season camp, where riders and staff will review the past season and look forward to the next.
“At its start, Team Principal Dave Brailsford re-stated our stance on doping and called on the riders, staff and management to reaffirm their own personal commitment to our position,” Sky’s statement says.
“Over the coming weeks, we will talk individually with each team member and ask everyone, at every level of the team, to sign up to a clear written policy, confirming that they have no past or present involvement in doping.”
Anybody refusing to sign the policy, and swear that they have never been involved in doping, will have his contract terminated while, having been embarrassed by Barry, the penalty for keeping a doping past secret from the team - as the Canadian did - will be stiff.
“Should anyone choose not to sign up to our clear policy they will have to leave the team,” says Sky’s statement, “as will anyone who does sign but is subsequently found to be in breach.”
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The statement from Team Sky in full
Team Sky has had a clear position on doping from the very start. We are a clean team and have shown it is possible to win clean.
We want a team in which riders are free of the risks of doping and in which fans – new and old - can believe without any doubt or hesitation.
There is no place in Team Sky for those with an involvement in doping, whether past or present. This applies to management, support staff and riders.
Like others, we have been shocked by recent revelations of systemic doping in cycling’s past. So we have taken steps to reaffirm our commitment to being a clean team.
Today the riders, staff and management of Team Sky entered their annual end-of-season camp, where we review the season, plan the year ahead, and look to the future.
At its start, Team Principal Dave Brailsford re-stated our stance on doping and called on the riders, staff and management to reaffirm their own personal commitment to our position.
Over the coming weeks, we will talk individually with each team member and ask everyone, at every level of the team, to sign up to a clear written policy, confirming that they have no past or present involvement in doping.
Should anyone choose not to sign up to our clear policy they will have to leave the team, as will anyone who does sign but is subsequently found to be in breach.
We are making this statement because we believe it is important to be open about the steps we are taking. However, we do not intend to give a running commentary on this or to discuss any individual at this time.
By reaffirming Team Sky’s position on doping, we aim to play our part in a clean future for cycling in which everyone can have confidence in the sport.