Riders punished for Virginia altercation

USA Cycling has announced the suspension of three members, following a physical altercation at the Tour of Virginia, a USA Cycling National Racing Calendar event in April. Jame Carney (Team Alliance International) has been issued a nine-month suspension for his role in the incident under USAC rules 102 and 105, having displayed "unsportsmanlike conduct". Carney's teammate John DeLong and Mark Hardman (University of Virginia Cycling Team) were each given one-year suspensions for their roles, having violated the same rules as Carney.

"USA Cycling maintains a zero-tolerance policy with regard to violence in conjunction with our events," said USAC CEO Steve Johnson. "There is absolutely no place for this type of behaviour in our sport, and the penalties that have been assessed are consistent with the gravity of this incident."

A hearing into the matter, which was requested by Carney last month, was conducted on June 28 in which the three-person panel recommended the suspensions. Johnson upheld the panel's recommendation and all three athletes' suspensions commenced as of July 1.

Carney has also been forced to give up his seat on the USCF Board of Trustees, with article 3.1 of the USCF Bylaws stating "All trustees must be USCF or USA Cycling license holders at the time of their nomination and throughout their period of office."