Team Sky lose another man after De Jongh’s confession
TEAM Sky sports director Steven de Jongh last night became the third leading figure to leave the hugely successful British outfit in a week as chiefs continued their zero-tolerance policy on doping.
De Jongh, 38, departed after admitting to taking banned substances during his riding career. Team Sky boss Dave Brailsford has demanded all staff and cyclists confess any past doping, amid fresh scrutiny of the sport following seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong’s fall from grace.
De Jongh’s exit followed that of race coach Bobby Julich, who last week confessed to doping, and lead sports director Sean Yates, whose exit on Sunday the team emphasised was not forced by a doping admission.
Brailsford said there was “no doubt about Steven’s work with us”, which included helping Bradley Wiggins become the first British man to win the Tour earlier this year. He added: “Steven deserves our respect for the courage he’s shown.”
Wiggins has been promoted from fourth to third in the 2009 Tour results after Armstrong, who is not contesting US Anti-Doping Agency charges, was disqualified.