British Cycling: Report into sexism and bullying claims due out
Written by News on 15/06/2017
A review into the culture at British Cycling – ordered following claims of bullying and discrimination – will be made public later.
It was launched in April 2016 when track cyclist Jess Varnish made allegations of sexism and bullying against coach Shane Sutton after she was dropped by Team GB.
Several other riders also made allegations against Sutton, all of which he denied. The Australian was suspended, but immediately quit.
Cyclist Nicole Cooke then told a parliamentary select committee that British Cycling was "run by men, for men".
An internal investigation by the British Cycling board upheld a complaint that Mr Sutton had described female riders as "bitches".
The review has taken 14 months, although a draft report was leaked to a newspaper earlier this year.
Paralympic legend Dame Tanni Gray-Thompson carried out a similar review into sports that receive National Lottery funding.
"We are better than just chewing up people and spitting them out at the end," she told Sky News.
"It’s a pretty tough life being an athlete and it’s only right that we protect them and look after them.
"In our desire to win medals and not compromise, things got a few steps too far. We will still win medals, we will just do it in a different way."
All sports will have to adhere to a strict new code of governance from November – or they will lose their funding.
British Cycling is due to receive £43m from UK Sport and Sport England – investment that will be threatened if it does not comply.
The report will be published at 11am.
(c) Sky News 2017: British Cycling: Report into sexism and bullying claims due out
