I hate dopers, says Lizzie Armitstead

Lizzie Armitstead says she will hold her “head high in Rio” and “hates dopers” following criticism for missing three drug tests.

The British world road cycling champion was suspended pending disciplinary action for missing the tests, putting her Olympic place in jeopardy.

But at a Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) appeal, she successfully argued the first test should be declared void.

“It hurts me to consider anybody questioning my performances,” she said.

The 27-year old has issued a two-page statement explaining the circumstances for each missed test, setting out why she felt vindicated by the first test being declared void by Cas, and asking for understanding – not criticism.

“Integrity is something I strive for in every part of my life,” she added. “I will hold my head high in Rio and do my best for Great Britain.

“I am sorry for causing anyone to lose faith in sport. I am an example of what hard work and dedication can achieve. I hate dopers and what they have done to the sport.”

Athletes must make themselves available for testing for one hour each day and inform testers of their location.

Had Armitstead been found to have missed three tests in less than a year, she would have violated the World Anti-Doping Agency’s code and faced a ban of up to two years.

Armitstead was charged by Ukad on 11 July with three so-called ‘whereabouts’ failures, leading to a suspension pending disciplinary action.

UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) says Armitstead did not challenge the validity of the first two missed tests at the time.

Armitstead says she did contest the first strike, in Sweden, with a written explanation – but it was not accepted and she flew to the United States the following day for a competition.

“I had no legal advice or external support at the time,” she said.