Second job loss for White
MATT White has been sacked as men’s road co- ordinator by Cycling Australia after he admitted to doping during his time with Lance Armstrong’s US Postal team.
White had already stood down as Orica- GreenEDGE sports director and CA road coordinator last Saturday.
CA agreed yesterday that White’s position was untenable.
‘‘In that role (as elite men’s road co-ordinator, White) has made a significant, valuable contribution to our men’s national teams, and at no time do we believe his influence or actions went against the best interests of the sport,’’ the CA board said.
‘‘ However, the admissions contained within his public statement of October 13 clearly place him in breach of the CA anti-doping policy and code of conduct.
‘‘Accordingly, the board has determined that his ongoing employment with CA is untenable, and Matt was formally advised overnight of the termination of his contract.’’
Meanwhile, coaches, trainers and support staff could be asked if they have ever taken drugs before they land a job with Australia’s top cyclists.
CAwarned that it had not ruled out grilling potential employees over doping during interviews.
CA president Klaus Mueller said the organisation would redouble its efforts to protect the integrity of the sport.
Mueller admitted White had never been asked about doping.
‘‘We did not ask that question,’’ he said.
‘‘We assumed, as we do with other employees, that unless we have evidence to the contrary, there is a simple assumption of innocence. That’s an assumption most employers make when engaging with employees.’’
Mueller said CA would wait on advice from the Australian Sports Commission regarding an appropriate line of questioning for employees in the future.
‘‘ If that is an appropriate question to ask and we don’t breach employment laws in doing so, then I would have thought it’s a proper question to ask,’’ he said.