British Cycling Technical Dir Shane Sutton has "resigned in the wake of allegations of discriminatory behaviour," according to Martha Kelner of the London DAILY MAIL. Following the claims by sprint cyclist Jess Varnish of "bullying and sexist remarks made to her," Sutton is alleged, on more than one occasion, to have referred to para-cyclists as "wobblies" and "gimps." Multiple sources claim that such "highly discriminatory and crude language was used to describe elite athletes on the British para-cycling performance team." Sutton was "suspended from his post earlier this week but has now quit, just 100 days before the start of the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro." He again "denied making the alleged comments and stated his decision was taken as he did not want to be a 'distraction' to the GB cyclists in the build-up to the Games." In a statement, Sutton said, "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." The latest allegations against Sutton "come on top of Varnish's claims." Sutton has "denied all allegations of bullying and sexism." Those claims were set to be "investigated by British Cycling" (DAILY MAIL, 4/27).
'HURT AND PERPLEXED': In London, Alyson Rudd wrote Sutton said that he is "hurt and perplexed by the storm surrounding him." The row began when he was accused of sexism, of telling Varnish "to move on and get on with having a baby." Sutton completely denies the allegations, and "wants to put the record straight." He "does it with bluntness." Sutton said, "Someone who wasn’t up to the job has left the program and should embrace my comments. Jess was not one of the greats. It’s sad she’s come out and said the things she said." Did "he tell Varnish to have a baby?" Sutton: "One hundred percent no." Did "he say something that could be misconstrued that way?" Sutton: "No, there was never any talk of babies. I don't know where that's come from." He went on to say, "Actually I’m embracing the opportunity to sit in front of the panel and give my view because I don’t think I’ve been heard properly from day one of this. I’ve had great support from everybody here but at the end of the day it’s an allegation" (LONDON TIMES, 4/27).
