Barloworld pull out of cycling

Barloworld have announced that after serious consideration and in accordance with their policy towards doping that they will be withdrawing their cycling sponsorship following the Tour de France 2008.

This follows the disappointing actions of Moises Duenas, a team member, who tested positive for EPO, a prohibited substance, following stage 4 of the race.

Says Chris Fisher, head of corporate marketing at Barloworld, “We consistently drive the values of our business through the team. Team Barloworld has a zero tolerance policy towards doping which has been constantly communicated to the riders – we have to act on this policy and as such we will all have to live with the long term consequences of one individual’s action.”

“This incident has a negative impact on Barloworld and our brand principals, which our board has a duty to protect.”

“To say that we are disappointed would be an understatement. Cycling has been overshadowed for some time with doping issues which have negatively affected the reputation of the sport. Whilst we have continued to operate within this environment we have always made our position clear on drug use and have acted accordingly,” concluded Fisher.

Although Barloworld are withdrawing from the sponsorship they will honour contractual obligations and discussions are underway with replacement sponsors.