Rio 2016: British Cycling chief resigns amid discrimination claims

Sutton was suspended Wednesday morning after the organization opened a formal investigation into alleged derogatory comments he had made.

Claims made in a Daily Mail report said that he referred to British Paralympic cyclists as 'gimps,' while British track cyclist Jess Varnish had previously said Sutton told her she was 'too old' and to 'go and have a baby' after she was dropped from the Olympic squad.

In a statement confirming his resignation, Sutton said he 'reject[s] the specific claims' that have been made against him, while adding that he plans to cooperate in British Cycling's investigation.



https://crafterdepot.com/crafter-depot-groups/downloadmp3-porter-las-batallas-album-download/
https://crafterdepot.com/crafter-depot-groups/zip-downloadmp3-8d-billie-8d-remix-tunes-2021-modern-dee-album-download/
https://crafterdepot.com/crafter-depot-groups/zip-downloadmp3-gayo-valdez-oscuridad-album-download/


Sutton had been due to oversee Great Britain's campaign at the Rio Olympics, which start on August 5, but he said that with just 100 days remaining until the event it was important the athletes could prepare without any complications.

'The developments over the past few days have clearly become a distraction,' Sutton said. 'It is for this reason, and having spoken to friends and family, that I believe it is in the best interests of British Cycling for me to step down from my position as technical director.'

'Cycling is my passion and I have always worked to get the very best out of professional athletes,' he added. 'I am proud of what British Cycling has achieved and I am excited by the potential of the team for Rio. They will always have my full support.'

British Cycling chief executive Ian Drake, who thanked Sutton for his work and the role he has played in the organization's success, confirmed that programs director Andy Harrison will take over with immediate effect.

'I understand and respect Shane's decision to stand down,' Drake added. 'His primary focus has always been the athletes, and this decision is something he has taken to allow them to focus on their preparation for Rio.'

Discrimination allegations

Darren Kenny, one of Britain's most successful Paralympic cyclists, had told the Daily Mail that he had heard Sutton using discriminatory terms when referring to the British disability team.

'The term used to refer to us was generally 'gimps,' with another word in front of that,' Kenny said. 'The attitude towards them was abysmal. We were tolerated at best.

'I know others had an issue as well with not being allowed on the track and not being given time to prepare for competitions,' he added.

Kenny's claims followed on from those of Varnish, who said she was subjected to the 'go and have a baby remark' in a conversation with Sutton and head coach Iain Dyer after missing out on a place in the 2016 Olympics.

Last week British Cycling said it would be looking into the comments made by Varnish, and the organization confirmed on Tuesday it will put into place an independent review, in line with UK Sport, which will look at its 'performance programs' following the fresh allegations of discrimination.

'We are fully committed to the principles and active promotion of equality of opportunity and we must take any such allegations seriously,' British Cycling said in a statement. 'The terms of the review will be announced in due course and no further comment will be made at this stage.'

Drake reiterated that stance following Sutton's resignation, adding that the organization will 'continue to be committed to promoting equality of opportunity and providing a supportive environment within British Cycling.'

Sutton 'wholeheartedly' denied Varnish's claims and said he only acted with complete professionalism towards her.

He was not immediately available for comment after a request from CNN following the latest allegations.

READ MORE: What's squeezing a woman's bottom got to to with sport?

READ MORE: 'Did you lose because you had your period?'

The 58-year-old Australian has been with British Cycling since 2002, when he was first appointed as a coach, and has worked with the likes of Olympic champions Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins.

He helped the team to seven track gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, before being made technical director in 2014.

Varnish says she remains keen to ride for Team GB again.

'For now I remain open to sharing my experiences with both British Cycling and/or UK Sport, and will happily engage with any investigations into the comments that Shane Sutton has made to me, and other riders,' she said in a statement Tuesday.

'I would prefer to do this privately, however to date this hasn't been an option. I am not too old. I am not a waste of UK Sport's money. I can win more medals.'

'I understand and respect Shane's decision to stand down,' Drake added. 'His primary focus has always been the athletes, and this decision is something he has taken to allow them to focus on their preparation for Rio.' Varnish says she remains keen to ride for Team GB again. Claims made in a Daily Mail report said that he referred to British Paralympic cyclists as 'gimps,' while British track cyclist Jess Varnish had previously said Sutton told her she was 'too old' and to 'go and have a baby' after she was dropped from the Olympic squad.

#newsupdatenow