LONDON (AFP) — Steven de Jongh has stepped down from his role as Sky’s sports director after admitting to using performance enhancing drugs during his career, the British team announced on Monday.
“Steven de Jongh has left Team Sky following three seasons as sports director,” the team said in a statement.
“After the team reaffirmed its position on anti-doping, Steven disclosed that he had taken a banned substance earlier in his career as a professional rider.”
De Jongh is the third staff member to leave the team after Sky announced a zero-tolerance stance on doping in the aftermath of the Lance Armstrong scandal.
Senior sports director Sean Yates announced his retirement from professional cycling on Sunday, while American Bobby Julich left the squad last week after admitting that he took banned blood-booster EPO during his racing career.
“There’s no doubt about Steven’s work with us or his approach. He’s been a highly valued sports director and colleague over three seasons,” said Sky principal Dave Brailsford. “Steven deserves our respect for the courage he’s shown in being honest about the past and it’s right that we do our best to support him.
“He has our best wishes for the next step in his career.”
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