Hardie rejects Slipstream claims

An advisor to Australian cyclist Trent Lowe has rejected claims made by Slipstream Sports today regarding a referral to an unauthorised doctor.

Slipstream management this morning released a statement alleging it learned of Lowe’s quarterly health check with former US Postal team doctor Luis Garcia del Moral during a recent contract dispute.

The organisation also alleged Lowe and Hardie had "threatened to publicly expose certain information relating to Dr. Luis Garcia del Moral unless Slipstream acceded to their demands, which included a payment of €500,000 (AUD$686,261) to Trent".

The team last week dismissed Australian sports director Matt White for referring the former Garmin cyclist to the doctor, who was not approved by team medical staff,  in what was a breach of company policy.

Advisor Martin Hardie, a Deaking University academic who ran an anti-doping conference at the 2010 road world championships in Geelong, said he would make a further statement after talks with Slipstream Sports.

“We note the material in the press regarding Trent Lowe,” the statement read.

“We note that this material is factually inaccurate and we reject the allegations made.

“We look forward to resolving these issues as soon as possible without any further damage being done to cycling and people’s careers and reputations.”