British defend Hayles after failed blood test

By Stephen Farrand

MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Robert Hayles, who failed a pre-race blood test at the track cycling world championships on Wednesday, has been defended by British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford.

Hours before the start of the championships, the governing International Cycling Union (UCI) said Hayles and Dutchman Pim Ligthart returned results above the 50 percent blood haematocrit level and had been automatically suspended for two weeks.

Brailsford said Hayles was just 0.3 percent over the maximum limit. Haematocrit levels above 50 percent are an indication, but not proof, that illegal blood-boosting may have taken place

"I've known Rob a long time and there's never been any doubt in my mind that Rob is anything but a fantastic athlete for Great Britain," Brailsford told Reuters.

"I've spoken to Rob and looked him straight in the eye and he's devastated as you'd expect. All of our riders are tested and we've had thousands of tests done on our squad."

"Whilst it's not anything we'd ever wish to happen on the opening day of the track world championships, I think the system is there to make sure that everything is kept above board and I'm 100 percent behind it."

"This morning's screening has shown an anomaly that warrants further investigation and we are working with the UCI to resolve this matter. Meanwhile, we continue to be focused on delivering the best results during the world track championships."

Hayles was due to ride in the individual pursuit event on Wednesday's opening day of the championships, while Ligthart was entered for Friday's men's points race.