British Cycling admitted it did not provide "sufficient care and attention" to the well-being of its staff and athletes "in their pursuit of winning medals," according to Ben Topliss of the LONDON TIMES. A leaked draft report of an investigation into the "climate" inside British Cycling and its alleged failings spoke of a "culture of fear" at the governing body. It claimed British Cycling "sanitised" its own probe into claims former Technical Dir Shane Sutton used sexist language toward Jess Varnish -- as well as "reversing" the findings of its grievance officer to suit its agenda. The draft, which criticized British Cycling's "inept" handling of the affair, also found Varnish lost her funding "as an act of retaliation" for criticizing coaching staff and that she was "simply removed" rather than handed a warning over her declining performances. British Cycling found Sutton guilty of "using sexist language" toward Varnish last April. Claims he used "other offensive and discriminatory language" were not upheld (LONDON TIMES, 3/10). In London, Nick Harris reported the governing body has been warned that it faces cuts to its £26M ($31.6M) public funding "without a major governance overhaul." There are concerns within the organization that its backers, including main sponsor HSBC, "will reconsider involvement if cycling continues being tarnished." The report's key findings included:
- Former Performance Dir Dave Brailsford was "untouchable," taking decisions about the multi-million-pound budget himself.
- There is a "culture of fear" among staff, "some of whom are treated like children." Some staff are "frightened to speak out and are being bullied."
- Leadership at board level is "inadequate" and there is a "cloak-and-dagger" atmosphere. A "systematic overhaul" of leadership has been recommended (DAILY MAIL, 3/11).
'SANITISED' REPORT: In London, Sean Ingle reported the review allegedly finds that the British Cycling board not only "sanitised" the report into Varnish's allegations but reversed the findings of its own grievance officer. However, an independent UK Sport panel, led by British Rowing Chair Annamarie Phelps, reportedly found that British Cycling's grievance officer, Alex Russell, originally found "considerably more" of Varnish's claims had been proven, but these "harder-hitting investigative findings" were not included in the final version (GUARDIAN, 3/9). The BBC reported in response, British Cycling said that it accepts:
- Its "World Class Programme leadership focused on medal delivery without sufficient care and attention to the overall staff and athlete culture and environment."
- Leadership "failed to adequately grasp and subsequently address the early warning signs" of failings (BBC, 3/10).
VARNISH CALLS FOR RESIGNATIONS: In London, Dickinson & Rudd reported Varnish called Friday night "for the entire board of British Cycling to resign over accusations of a cover-up of her claims of sexism." The track sprinter, who accused British Cycling of throwing her "under a bus," is preparing to take legal action against the governing body after the leaking of a "damning draft report," which said that she had been dropped from the 2016 Olympic program as "an act of retribution" for criticizing the team coaches. The "apparent vindication for Varnish" and the accusation that the British Cycling board was "inept" in handling her complaints are "certain to lead to a writ from the rider, who will argue that she has been unfairly denied an Olympic medal." Varnish "plans to sue for lost income, including from potential sponsorships" (
LONDON TIMES, 3/11). Also in London, Ben Rumsby reported responding to the leaking of the draft report, the authors of which warned "this was not the final version and could yet be altered," Varnish said that she was "not surprised" at its findings and "never had faith in an internal investigation." Varnish: "Obviously, my story is the truth and it's been exactly the same throughout, but I feel like I have just been pulled from pillar to post. ... Now, there needs to be changes. These people can't be still in there if they've reversed facts. They can't still be able to be on that board" (
TELEGRAPH, 3/10). In London, Ingle also reported senior figures in UK Sport believe the position of new British Cycling Chair Jonathan Browning is "untenable following the leak of an independent review into the culture at the Manchester velodrome." Browning replaced Bob Howden as chair last month. The draft review produced by Phelps said, "The actions of the British Cycling board in that regard are shocking and inexcusable. They also call into serious question whether the composition of the British Cycling board is fit to govern a national sporting body." Browning said that he is "happy to meet Varnish to discuss any concerns she has about the independent review, or on any other matter" (
GUARDIAN, 3/11).
BRAILSFORD NOT STEPPING DOWN: The BBC reported Brailsford said that "he will not resign as Team Sky boss, despite the controversy" over a '11 "mystery package" sent for Bradley Wiggins. Team Sky admitted "mistakes were made" over the medical package, but deny breaking anti-doping rules. Brailsford said, "I'm fine in myself and have confidence in my team" (BBC, 3/10).
