Jongewaard worlds start likely despite tribunal

Chris Jongewaard will front a Cycling Australia tribunal for misconduct after a South Australian court found the rider guilty of criminal driving charges. The rider will likely still start next weekend’s International Cycling Union Mountain Bike World Championships, to be held in Canberra, Australia.

“A Cycling Australia Disciplinary Tribunal will be convened to hear the charge at a date to be determined but within 21 days from the date of notification to Mr Jongewaard,” announced the national governing body.

“Both parties will require adequate time to prepare for the hearing and as a result it is unlikely the hearing will occur prior to next week's World Championships in Canberra at which Mr Jongewaard has been selected to ride for Australia,” added the release.

Judge Wayne Chivell found Jongewaard guilty of aggravated driving without due care and leaving the scene of an accident. Jongewaard left Matthew Rex, a fellow cyclist and former training partner, with serious injuries after the February 2007 accident.

Jongewaard will start the elite men’s cross country race on Saturday, September five. Jongewaard will be joined by Andrew Blair, Dylan Cooper, Ben Henderson, Daniel McConnell and Sid Taberlay in Australia’s elite men’s cross country team.