Shane Sutton was forced out of his role as British Cycling’s technical director by a “lynch mob”, the 1992 Olympic champion Chris Boardman has claimed.
Sutton resigned from the post he had held for two years last month following allegations of sexism and bullying, which has led to an independent review of the culture within British Cycling’s world-class performance programme under Annamarie Phelps, the chairman of British Rowing, and which includes former England rugby union head coach Stuart Lancaster.
There is also a separate independent review focusing on the allegations of sexism made against Sutton by track rider Jess Varnish.
The 58-year-old Australian has denied the allegations made against him and Boardman, who has worked alongside Sutton and Sir Dave Brailsford for Team GB having won gold in Barcelona 24 years ago, believes he has been unfairly treated. “Whether we got on or not – and we didn’t always get on – I thought it was a horrible trial by press for a week with just one side of the story,” Boardman told the Times.
“Shane’s behaviour was always passionate and right on the edge, Australian. It’s a really sad way to end a career of 20 years.
“It was a bit of a lynch mob. Sexism, bullying, selection ... it was throwing mud at British Cycling and seeing what sticks. And one individual held responsible for everything.”
Boardman went on to say he welcomed the establishment of the independent review established under Phelps, describing it as a chance “to look and rebuild”.
