Cycling: Banned cyclist Yates wins $2000 in Taupo event

Controversial cyclist Jeremy Yates won the Lake Taupo Cycle Classic yesterday, two days after receiving a ban for drug taking.

Yates, 23, took home $2000 for his victory in the 160km race after a ruling by the Belgian Cycling Union on Thursday banned him from entering any international professional race from December 1 for two years.

The former world junior road champion and Athens Olympian had been under investigation in Europe after a doping sample earlier in March showed unusually high levels of testosterone.

He was also fined 750 Swiss francs ($NZ925) for failing to supply a second sample.

Media co-ordinator for the Taupo event, Jocelyn Moyle, said Yates was entitled to take part in the event because he held a current race licence sanctioned by Bike New Zealand. She said the event organising committee had no comment regarding the ethical implications of Yates' participation.

Yates won the race in 3h 57m while Wellington's Nadene Boyle took out the women's title.

When asked about his right to enter the race, Yates told One News: "That's up to Cycling New Zealand to decide.

"I came to the registration like everyone else and they accepted my entry."

-NZPA