Friday 29 April 2016 13:38, UK
British Cycling has been plunged into crisis over the past week, with allegations of discrimination being followed by the resignation of technical director Shane Sutton.
Three separate investigations are being conducted into various aspects of the organisation, including coaching practises, the behaviour of Sutton and claims of kit being sold for profit online.
Here, we look back on what has happened so far and what could happen next…
Firstly, who is Shane Sutton?
Sutton is a 58-year-old former professional cyclist from Australia. He won gold in the team pursuit at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and also the Milk Race in Britain in 1990.
After retiring, Sutton worked with Welsh Cycling and then joined British Cycling in 2002. He was Sir Dave Brailsford's right-hand man during British Cycling's all-conquering performances at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games.
Sutton also worked with Team Sky from 2010 to 2012 and was key mentor to Sir Bradley Wiggins, helping him win the Tour de France in 2012.
How did he become head of British Cycling?
Sutton was head coach up until April 2014, but when Brailsford resigned from his post as performance director of British Cycling to concentrate on Team Sky, Sutton stepped up into the top job, albeit with the title of technical director.
What forced him to resign?
In terms of results, Sutton didn't do too much wrong as technical director. Britain slumped to a 14-year low of only three silver medals at the 2015 World Championships, but they bounced back to top the medals table at the 2016 World Championships.
However, it has emerged over the past few days that all has not been well behind the scenes. Sutton was accused last week of making sexist remarks towards Jess Varnish, specifically telling her to "go off and have a baby" when dropping her from the Great Britain team.
Those claims triggered further allegations from para-cyclist Darren Kenny, who said Sutton referred to British para-cyclists as "gimps" and "wobblies". Other claims of racist comments have also emerged.
Was it the first time he has upset people?
No. Sutton has had a number of fall-outs with various people down the years, most famously with Olympic champions Nicole Cooke and Victoria Pendleton.
He left Team Sky due to a clash of personalities and was slammed by Jason Kenny earlier this year for treating riders "like kids".
Is British Cycling really in crisis?
There are fewer than 100 days to go until the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and British Cycling doesn't have a head, which is a crisis no matter what the organisation's board members may claim to the contrary.
British Cycling also faces multiple allegations of misbehaviour ranging from sexism and bullying to being run like a "tyranny". To address the allegations, three investigations and reviews have been ordered:
- A review of British Cycling's performance programme.
- An investigation into the specific discrimination claims against Sutton.
- An investigation into claims of kit and equipment being sold for personal profit online.
It would be hugely de-stabling if there was just one investigation taking place, but the fact there are three investigations under way is tantamount to complete disarray.
However, purely in terms of racing, being so close to the Games is actually a saving grace for British cyclists, because all of the plans for the final months leading up to Rio are already in place, so the coaches still employed at British Cycling should be able to ensure continuity in training until a replacement - or interim - head is appointed.
So what next?
Over the coming days, British Cycling will be fearing further allegations and simply hoping for the worst of this storm to pass.
Then, over the coming weeks, the three investigations must take place and their findings be acted upon, which could result in further destabilisation.
British Cycling must also appoint a long-term successor to Sutton.
Who will replace Sutton?
Andy Harrison, who is British Cycling's programmes director, has been appointed interim head and will manage the team in the build-up to the Olympic Games.
Depending on results in Rio, Harrison may find himself in pole position to get the job permanently, although head coach Iain Dyer is another candidate.
There is also likely to be plenty of interest from abroad.
Could Sir Dave Brailsford come back?
Highly unlikely. Brailsford left British Cycling two years ago because he felt managing British Cycling and Team Sky simultaneously was spreading himself too thin.
Brailsford has big ambitions for Team Sky over the next few years and will not want to compromise the team's chances of achieving them by rejoining British Cycling.
