Former technical director of British Cycling, Shane Sutton has defended the anti-doping record of the organisation and Team Sky. Both have been under fire this year following a series of revelations regarding the use of therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) and a package that was delivered to Team Sky at the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine.
British Cycling is also set to lose their CEO Ian Drake, when he steps back from his role in April 2017.
Sutton, who was under investigation following his suspension earlier this year amid allegations of sexism and discrimination, believes that there has no wrongdoing on behalf of British Cycling and Team Sky. "Our record at British Cycling speaks for its self and our record at Sky is a brilliant record. They've endorsed clean cycling from day one," Sutton told BBC 5 Live programme Sportsweek. "We build ourselves on evidence-based programmes and the evidence will come out I'm quite sure that they will be exonerated.
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"[The reports in the media] detract from what the athletes achieved in Rio and [there is also] sadness that Ian Drake is leaving his post after 20 years…. It's always sad when you've been part of something that has evolved over time, and then you sit back and you see the criticism. I think that we should be reflecting on what they've achieved rather than what is being written in the press at this moment in time."
British Cycling is currently under investigation by the UK Anti-Doping Authority regarding a package that was sent from British Cycling to Team Sky on July 12, 2011 – the final stage of the Criterium du Dauphine. British Cycling coach Simon Cope travelled to France and delivered the package to the team's doctor Dr Richard Freeman. Cope told Cyclingnews that he did not know what it contained and the contents of the package remain unknown.
Sutton was pushed several times by Sportsweek presenter Garry Richardson on whether British Cycling or Team Sky should come forward and reveal the what was being delivered, in order to quash the current speculation. However, Sutton repeatedly stated that it was not his place to comment but added that it was normal practice and had a request to see it been made at the time then he believes they would have been able to do so. He also revealed that he had spoken to UKAD in the course of their investigation.
- Peter Keen highlights seriousness of British Cycling and Team Sky allegations
- UKAD ramps up investigation into Team Sky and British Cycling
- Cope: I don't know what was in the package for Team Sky
- Former Sky rider Tiernan-Locke says Great Britain offered Tramadol 'freely'
- No rules broken and no action to follow in Wiggins TUE case, says Cookson
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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