Former pro Jack Bobridge charged with drug dealing

Australian former professional rider Jack Bobridge is facing charges for dealing illegal drugs.

The double Olympic silver medallist appeared in Perth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday charged with selling MDMA (ecstasy).

Police searched Bobridge's home in Yokine, Perth on Wednesday after an undercover operation that had taken place over the preceding months, reports Perth Now. The investigation centred on the sale and distribution of recreational drugs.

Bobridge was arrested after the raid on his home and could now face a prison sentence if he is convicted of the charges. He is due to appear in court again in September.

The 28-year-old retired from professional cycling in November 2016 citing rheumatoid arthritis, having ridden for the Trek-Segafredo team in his final season. He previously rode for Garmin-Transitions, GreenEdge and Blanco Pro Cycling squads in a professional career that spanned 2010 to 2016.

Bobridge is probably best known for his appearances as part of the Australian national team, where he claimed two silver medals in the team pursuit in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. He also took three world titles on the track, winning the 2010 team pursuit title, and the 2011 team and individual pursuit titles.

He also took four Commonwealth Games titles, taking both the team and individual pursuit gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 Games in Delhi and Glasgow respectively.

He attempted to claim the UCI World Hour Record on the track in January 2015, but came up short on bettering then record holder Matthias Brändle. The record was subsequently broken by Bradley Wiggins.

Bobridge moved to Perth from his native Adelaide after his retirement from professional cycling, where he opened a gym called the Bobridge Cycle and Fitness Studio.