Bissell sacks O’Bee for ‘contract violation’

Bissel Pro Cycling has announced the immediate dismissal of rider Kirk O’Bee for violation of his contract, implying that the rider has broken anti-doping regulations. While the team didn’t go in to details on O’Bee’s violation, it added that the rider is working with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to resolve his ‘violation’.

“I deeply regret that a mistake I made as an individual will reflect poorly on the entire sport,” said O’Bee in a statement. “I’d especially like to apologize to my team-mates and to my sponsors, and hope that my actions will not damage their good names.”

Bissell has distanced itself from the matter, saying that the violation also breaks the terms of the rider’s contract leading to his immediate dismissal.

“The rider’s actions are an isolated incident that occurred independently and without the knowledge of both team management and his teammates,” read a release from the team. “BISSELL and each of its team sponsors are committed to fair competition, and support efforts for an end to performance-enhancing drugs in the sport of cycling through the enforcement of a strict zero-tolerance policy.”