A front runner in the 2017 Tour of Northland has submitted a positive doping test during the region's biggest cycling event.
The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand has found cyclist Karl Murray committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) after testing positive for clenbuterol, an anabolic agent.
The finding came as a result of testing at the Tour of Northland on March 18, 2017, after which Murray was selected for doping control.
Through his membership of Cycling New Zealand, Murray is bound by the Sports Anti-Doping Rules, which reflect the World Anti-Doping Code. Analysis of Murray's "B" (or second) sample confirmed the finding of the "A" sample. It is not Murray's first ADRV and he now faces a significant ban from all sport.
Murray committed a first ADRV in New Caledonia in 2014, following a positive test for nandrolone and testosterone. This led to a ban from all sport, recognised in New Zealand in 2015.