ELITE cyclist Chris Jongewaard has lost an appeal to have his two-year jail term for hitting his training partner in a crash at Normanville in 2007 overturned.
Jongewaard, 30, of Para Hills, was found guilty of aggravated driving without due care.
He was also found guilty of leaving the scene of the February 2007 accident, which ended the career of his former training partner, Matthew Rex.
He was jailed on September 11 for two years with a non-parole period of seven months.
His lawyers had argued the sentence was manifestly excessive and the sentencing judge had erred in not suspending the sentence.
When the judgment was read out in court today, Jongewaard shook his head, while his father Leo stood up and shouted "absolute f..ing bull****" at the judges.
Shortly after, as Jongewaard was led from the dock, four loud thumping noises could be heard from the holding cells.
He had walked into court hopeful, and carrying his suit jacket on his arm.
The full court of the Court of Criminal Appeal today published their reasons for unanimously dismissing the appeal.
Chief Justice John Doyle found he "do(es) not agree that the head sentence and non-parole period are unreasonable or excessive".
He found the mitigating circumstances of the incident "tend to support a decision to suspend" the sentence.
"Particularly relevant are Jongewaard's age, and the face that he had not previously served a sentence of imprisonment," Chief Justice Doyle said.
"But it was appropriate for the judge to give substantial weight to the seriousness of the offending... and to the need for general deterrence."
Jongewaard had hit Mr Rex with his car while the pair were staying with 10 friends at Normanville, south of Adelaide, to celebrate Mr Rex's birthday in February 2007.
Mr Rex was cycling in pursuit of Jongewaard, who had driven off to find cigarettes for Mr Rex's brother.
The trial heard he was riding erratically, in "gaga-land" and ignoring screams from another cyclist beside him to get off the road.
He was not wearing any shoes, protective or reflective clothing at the time.
Rex suffered serious injuries.
The trial heard Jongewaard had not stopped immediately after the accident, instead travelling about 150m past the accident scene to the villa where the group were staying to get help from his then girlfriend, who had first aid experience.
Outside court, lawyer Anthony Allen said Jongewaard was a "model client".
"He's obviously disappointed with the judgment," Mr Allen said.
"He now plans to focus on his rehabilitation and returning to the champion cyclist that he was."
Jongewaard will remain in custody to serve his sentence. He will be eligible for parole in June next year.
