Shane Sutton quits British Cycling post amid discrimination claims
By Matt Westby
Last Updated: 14/07/16 9:59pm
Shane Sutton has resigned as British Cycling's technical director in the wake of discrimination allegations.
The 58-year-old Australian was suspended on Tuesday night after accusations of sexism made by Jess Varnish were followed by claims that he directed derogatory and bullying comments towards para-cyclists.
Sutton continues to deny the allegations, but he announced he was leaving his post in a statement released by British Cycling on Wednesday.
Sutton said: "Today starts the 100-day countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is absolutely crucial that, as our athletes begin their final preparations for Rio, they are able to do so free of distraction.
"The developments over the past few days have clearly become a distraction. 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."
British Cycling have announced that programmes director Andy Harrison has replaced Sutton and will manage the team in the build-up to the Olympics.
Prior to Sutton's resignation, British Cycling had said an internal investigation into the allegations and a separate review of the organisation's performance programme would take place.
Sutton intends to cooperate fully in a bid to clear his name.
He added: "I have made clear that I reject the specific claims that have been made against me in recent days, and I look forward to taking a full part in the review process so I can respond to the allegations in detail.
"Cycling is my passion and I have always worked to get the very best out of professional athletes. 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."
Sutton took over as technical director in April 2014 after Sir Dave Brailsford left British Cycling to concentrate on his work with Team Sky.
Britain slumped to a 14-year low at Sutton's first World Championships in charge, winning just three silver medals in 2015, but they bounced back by topping the medals table at last month's 2016 World Championships in London.
However, the championships were marred by scathing criticism of coaches from Varnish and Katy Marchant after the pair failed to qualify for the team sprint at the Olympics.
Varnish was later dropped from the British team and told her contract would not be renewed, to which she responded by claiming Sutton had told her to "go off and have a baby".
Further allegations then emerged when para-cyclist Darren Kenny said Sutton had referred to para-cyclists as "wobblies" and "gimps".
The discrimination row and Sutton's departure leaves British Cycling in turmoil with just 100 days to go to the start of the Olympics.
Not only is the organisation without a leader, but it is also facing an extensive overhaul of its coaching culture and practises.
