Cycling: Yates brothers keen to put controversy behind them

Palmerston North to Wellington road cycling winner Matthew Yates and second-placed younger brother Jeremy want to put behind them the controversy that has dogged them this year.

In April the pair were banned by Cycling New Zealand for up to 18 months from riding for their country after being found guilty of abusive behaviour towards officials in the Tour of Tasmania.

That followed a three-month suspension for Matthew for testing positive for an illegal substance.

After swamping their opposition in Saturday's 141km classic, the Hastings pair said it was time to move on.

Back in New Zealand for an extended period after racing in Europe, they were not interested in attending anger-management courses, as suggested by CNZ, which would reduce their ban.

"I'll do my own thing," said Matthew, 23. "What's happened has happened. It's not an issue for us. We just want to get on with riding."

Instead they are focusing on contesting the national road championships in Mataura, Southland, next weekend, riding in the same team in the Tour of Southland from November 4 and probably the Tour of Wellington in February.

On Saturday the Yates boys' class came to the fore in a breakaway group of 10 over the Akatarawa Ranges. Former world junior champion Jeremy, 20, rode away, chased by Matthew.

The latter rode up to Jeremy on the descent and that was the last the field saw of them.