Wednesday 2 November 2016 16:15, UK
Shane Sutton has said he does not recall referring to para-cyclists as “wobblies” and “gimps” but cannot rule it out for certain.
The 59-year-old Australian resigned as British Cycling's technical director in April after being accused of using the terms by para-cyclist Darren Kenny.
The allegations followed separate claims of sexism towards Jess Varnish, which were upheld last week after a six-month internal investigation.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ this week, Sutton said: "The culture was in there that these guys [para-cyclists] had named themselves that particular name.
"For me to turn around and say I had never used that term over 15 years, I couldn't say. But the thing was, I was very strong in trying to change the culture.
"All the para people there know I have supported them 100 per cent. We have tried to give as much parity as possible.
"It's not something that I would turn around and say, 'In any way was I discriminative towards para-cycling at all'. I was a little bit disturbed to hear that sort of comment."
Asked to clarify if he had used the words, Sutton said: "No, because what I have said to you is I don't recollect using that term."
Sutton described the six months since he left British Cycling as a "nightmare" but revealed he took comfort from the plight of Sam Allardyce, who lost his job as England manager following a newspaper sting.
Sutton added: "I have drawn strength off Big Sam's time with England. In my darkest nights, I have looked at my situation and I have looked across and thought, 'What must Sam be feeling right now?'
"We are going to come back and show people we are good at what we do, regardless of what has happened on our journey."
Meanwhile, Sutton has told Sir Bradley Wiggins that he would be "crazy" to retire after the Six Days of Ghent, the track cycling event being held in Belgium from November 15-20.
"At 36, there are a few years left in him and I think he really needs to rethink about the decision he has made, to walk away after Ghent," Sutton added.
"I told him that in a text two nights ago. I said, 'You're crazy to be stopping'. You look at the guy on the track - him and [Mark] Cavendish - and they're just a class act.
"Brad was born to do this and it would be a very sad day for Britain, and British sport, to see one of these iconic figures walk away and I don't think he should."
