The Briton had been handed a two-year ban by the International Cycling Union (UCI) last month after "abnormalities" were found in his biological passport dating back to 2012.

At a hearing last month, the 29-year-old claimed the anomalies had been due to a drinking binge with his girlfriend to celebrate the signing of a new two-year deal with Team Sky in 2012.

A doctor presenting evidence on behalf of Tiernan-Locke, claimed that he consumed around 33 units of alcohol in a period of six hours on the evening of September 20, 2012, which then resulted in dehydration ahead of the sample being taken on the morning of September 22.

But a UKAD panel that the explanation provided by the rider during the hearing on July 1 and 2 "did not sufficiently explain the abnormal values obtained from the sample."

Tiernan-Lockes's ban which has been backdated to January 1 2014 and runs until December 31 2015 has been upheld while his results have also been stripped, including his triumph in the 2012 Tour of Britain.

"The Panel found Jonathan Tiernan-Locke to be in breach of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules and consequently he has been handed a two-year ban preventing him from competing or training in sport," said Graham Arthur, director of legal at UKAD.

"The Athlete Biological Passport is a vital tool in the prevention and detection of doping and greatly enhances the integrated approach to anti-doping under which we all operate."

Tiernan-Locke, who won the 2012 Tour of Britain, claimed abnormal blood tests were due to a drinking binge ©Getty Images




The Plymouth-born rider was awarded a Team Sky contract for the 2013 season after a series of impressive performances for the Endura team the previous year, culminating with victory at the 2012 Tour of Britain to follow earlier triumphs at the Tour du Haut Var, Tour of the Mediterranean and Tour d'Alsace.

Tiernan-Locke's contract with Team Sky was terminated following the UCI ruling last month.

Commenting on the UKAD decision UCI President Brian Cookson said: "I would like to thank UK Anti-Doping for their work in handling this case and providing the rider with a fair and independent hearing.

"This case demonstrates how the UCI is working with partners on a global level to combat doping and protect our sport."

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