Following his suspension ending, Jonathan Tiernan-Locke has been given a second category licence from British Cycling. The rider from Devon was hoping to be at least given a first category licence, which would allow him to race in bigger events.

Talking to the Torquay Herald Express, the 31-year-old said: “I know these things can be discretionary, and I haven’t been allowed to ride for two years. But I held an elite licence every year I raced since 2003, so I think BC might give me at least a first cat one now.”

“It would be a bit petty if they make me start as a second cat, and I would be concerned if they stick to it because that might make it more difficult for me to get into national races, especially early in the season,” he said.

His first race back is a local race in Torquay on February 28.