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Johannesburg - Brandon Stewart's provisional suspension will remain in place after the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) dismissed his appeal, Cycling SA (CSA) said on Friday.
"Cycling South Africa respects the independence of the Saids process and will respect the outcome," it said in a statement.
The mountain biker was suspended in October last year after Saids reported an adverse analytical finding from a sample provided by the rider in an out-of-competition test conducted in July.
The report confirmed the presence of testosterone after which Stewart lodged an appeal, claiming he had been in discussion with Saids regarding a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
Earlier reports said Stewart's pro mountain biking team, Fedgroup had confirmed the rider had consulted a doctor the year before, following bouts of depression and mood swings, and was told at the time his testosterone levels were low.
The positive test was, therefore, a result of Stewart taking a medically necessary testosterone treatment, the team said.
CSA then referred the matter back to Saids, who allowed Stewart to appeal on the grounds of a TUE.
Saids concluded the TUE appeal process on Wednesday, dismissing Stewart's plea.
The Saids process relating to the initial adverse findings against Stewart would now take its course.
