Shane Sutton maintains innocence over Jess Varnish sexism claims
By Press Association
Last Updated: 01/11/16 5:25pm
Former technical director Shane Sutton has maintained he is innocent after British Cycling upheld Jess Varnish's complaint of "inappropriate and discriminatory language".
Sutton resigned from his post on April 27, 100 days prior to the Rio Olympics, over allegations of sexism levelled by Varnish.
Further claims the Australian called members of the Paralympic team "gimps" and "wobblies" were also made.
Sutton rejected the specific allegations, but quit his role as technical director to avoid any distractions leading up to the Games in Brazil.
Varnish's complaint was investigated internally by British Cycling and upheld but Sutton feels let down by the verdict.
He told the Sunday Telegraph: "I'm adamant that I am innocent. I have definitely never overstepped the mark with Jess Varnish or any other athlete.
"I'm massively disappointed. I put my trust in (the investigation). I have gone back to them now and asked for the supporting evidence to try to understand how they have arrived at this conclusion.
"I'm totally adamant no conversations took place of that nature and that's why I've asked for the supporting evidence.
"As far as I'm concerned, there were two people in this conversation. So where is the evidence that this conversation, these comments took place? There is no proof."
Sutton joined British Cycling in 2014 and oversaw a glittering period of Olympic domination. Despite his tenure ending in disgrace, he says he only has happy memories.
He added: "It's just a shame it has ended like this but it has been a fantastic journey, there have been fantastic people who I have worked with, some incredible athletes. All of them.
"The Hoys, the Wiggins, the Cavendishs, the Pendletons, the Cookes - [it has been] absolutely fantastic to have been part of.
"You don't spend the amount of time we did together, and go on the journey which we have been on, without having great memories."
