Team Sky rider Jonathan Tiernan-Locke will try to explain anomalies in his biological passport after being summoned to a doping hearing by the UCI.
Tiernan-Locke is facing disciplinary proceedings after an analysis of his data showed an anti-doping rule violation, the International Cycling Union said. His team said he "intends to defend himself against that charge".
We understand that the violation was highlighted by an anomaly in his biological passport, in a reading taken before he signed for this team
Tiernan-Locke, who joined Sky at the end of last year after a successful season in which he won the Tour of Britain, withdrew from Britain's team at the world championships this year because of the UCI investigation.
The UCI said an analysis of his biological passport showed "use of prohibited substances and/or methods", and has asked British Cycling to open disciplinary proceedings against the former Endura team rider.
Team Sky, who said earlier any anomaly in his results would have been noticed before he joined the team, suspended Tiernan-Locke from all duties - including training and racing - pending the disciplinary process. But the British outfit offered him its backing, while reaffirming its tough stance on doping.
"We understand that the violation was highlighted by an anomaly in his biological passport, in a reading taken before he signed for this team," Team Sky said.