An investigation was launched by Zwift Accuracy and Data Analysis (ZADA) following the third race of the Zwift Racing League Premier League.

Canyon Esports said evidence was brought to light that was previously unknown to the team and its management staff, leading to Diegner’s contract being terminated.

Diegner had been suspended during the investigation.

The German rider had been disqualified from the third race of the series, with his results later annulled across series for data manipulation.

"We are an incredibly close-knit team, so losing a rider is like losing a limb," said Rhys Howell, Canyon Esports team manager.

"Personally, I can only describe my feelings as heartbroken.

"However, I did not hesitate for one second to make the necessary decision to terminate our agreement with the rider in question.

"Our team is more than any single rider alone and we believe firmly in transparency and a clean sport.

"There can be no deviations from that belief.

"Our sport relies on trust and a team like ours is founded upon it.

"We will now look at how we can avoid such situations in the future and I have reiterated to all our senior and development riders that they can and should always come to me first if they are struggling.

"I hope this episode will be but a lone footnote in the exciting story of our team."

The ZADA said it had identified that the power values of Diegner’s submitted data were two per cent higher than the originally recorded values.

Zwift then analysed historic data files and performed forensic analysis, which reportedly found a further four occasions where there was evidence of the data having been edited.

Diegner initially denied editing the file but later acknowledged he had changed his power data before submitting it to Zwift.

The ZADA said Diegner would serve a six-month ban, which is backdated to the date of the race.

Diegner’s sanction will run from January 25 to July 24.