Jess Varnish sexism allegations surprise Joanna Rowsell Shand
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 29/04/16 11:46am
Olympic gold medal winner Joanna Rowsell Shand has defended British Cycling in the wake of sexism allegations made by Jess Varnish.
Varnish made the claims after she was dropped from the Great Britain squad, telling the Daily Mail on Saturday that technical director Shane Sutton had told her to "go and have a baby", among other remarks.
Sutton has denied making the comments and British Cycling insists Varnish's removal from the programme was on performance grounds.
However, Varnish has been invited to meet the equalities officer of British Cycling to discuss her concerns.
Rowsell Shand, who won gold in the team pursuit at London 2012, said: "I was surprised by the comments.
"I've always thought as a track rider it's very equal. Compared to the men's team pursuit squad, we definitely get equal treatment."
But world road race champion Lizzie Armitstead thinks Varnish was within her rights to speak out.
"Any athlete in her position has the right to say what she said," said Armitstead.
"She's worked so hard to be in the position she's in and, to have that taken away from her, if she feels that it's unjust then she should speak out about it."
