Peers slam cyclist for planning drug use

Disgraced New Zealand track cyclist Adam Stewart has been denounced by his peers after being banned for two years for attempting to use prohibited substances.

Stewart, 23, has been withdrawn from next month's Commonwealth Games team for attempted use of performance-enhancing EPO and for possession of hormone hCG in breach of the Sports Anti-Doping Rules.

The Cantabrian was caught after a package containing prohibited substances was intercepted by the New Zealand Customs Service and he was identified as the recipient despite attempts to use a false name and address.

BikeNZ chief executive Keiran Turner said the organisation had spent the past three years developing a high-performance culture.

"We take our team culture and values very seriously as part of the overall development of our athletes. We have a zero tolerance policy to anyone who waivers from this," Turner said.

"Our organisation from the Board, staff, stakeholders, coaches and Adam's team-mates are extremely disappointed and feel let down by his actions. This is a young man who has made a very silly mistake and he therefore must pay the consequences of his actions."

Speaking on social media network Twitter, top New Zealand road cyclist Greg Henderson said: "Adam Steward u bloody dickhead. What were you thinking. I feel sorry for your friends and family who get tarnished with the same brush."

Former world omnium champion Hayden Godfrey agreed: "Adam Stewart = Clown. Although that's probably being disrespectful to Clowns."

Facebook was also rife with comment from the cycling community, although some of the angrier responses were later removed.

While cycling and drugs are often linked internationally, New Zealand riders have prided themselves on their drug-free stance.

Meanwhile, BikeNZ will not add any more riders to its sprint squad, which includes Invercargill's Eddie Dawkins, although it would discuss with the New Zealand Olympic Committee options for adding to its wider squad.

Invercargill's Tom Scully, originally not considered for the Games because of injury, would not come into contention, however.

- © Fairfax NZ News