World hour record holder positive for doping

Czech rider Ondrej Sosenka, who holds the current world hour record, tested positive during his national time trial championships in June, the CTK news agency reported Friday. His PSK Whirlpool - Author team was informed that the rider tested positive for the banned stimulant methamphetamine and its metabolites. He faces a suspension which could end the career of the 32-year-old time trial specialist.

The team has suspended Sosenka pending the outcome of the counter-analysis.

Team manager Vladimir Vavra said that should the second test come back positive, it would be the end of Sosenka's employment with the team. "All our competitors are under contracts in accordance with the International Cycling Union clause on penalties in the case of the use of banned substances," he said.

"The PSK Whirlpool-Author fights hard against doping and all the riders are trying to present themselves in the best light only through hard training. Sosenka, however, seriously violated the rules, and caused the most damage to himself, because it probably means the end of his career," said Vavra.

Sosenka finished the time trial in which he returned the positive sample in eighth place, 2'18 behind winner Frantisek Rabon (Team Columbia/High Road).