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Shane Sutton confirms he will appeal British Cycling ruling

Shane Sutton with Ed Clancy
Image: Shane Sutton has vowed to clear his name

Shane Sutton has told Sky Sports he will appeal British Cycling's ruling that he was guilty of sexist and discriminatory language.

The former technical director has confirmed he plans to appeal to British Cycling to exonerate himself and clear his name.

Varnish alleged in April that Sutton had told her to "go and have a baby" and that her "ass" was too big in the wake of her being dropped from the Great Britain Cycling team.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02:  Jessica Varnish of Great Britain shows her frustration during the Women's Sprint Track Cycling Qualifying on Day 6 of the Lon
Image: Jess Varnish's allegations were upheld by British Cycling last week

But speaking at the Rouleur Classic cycling exhibition in London, Sutton said: "I can categorically state I never made those comments I was originally alleged to have made.

"I'm pretty sure people will be sitting back going 'well, he's going to appeal' - which is going to happen now.

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Sutton does not remember referring to para-cyclists as 'wobblies'

"I will take it from there. I will produce the evidence. Everything comes out in the dirty washing. I am quite sure the evidence this time will prevail and I will win."

British Cycling launched an investigation into the claims, but Sutton denied them and had been confident of being exonerated

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However, a statement released by British Cycling last month read: "Following an internal investigation, the British Cycling board has upheld an allegation made by Jess Varnish that former Technical Director Shane Sutton had used inappropriate and discriminatory language.

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Sutton admits he told Jess Varnish she needed to 'lose some timber'

"The board wishes to put on record its sincere regret that this happened."

Sutton was suspended and later resigned as technical director after Varnish's claims were followed by further allegations of discriminatory behaviour towards para-cyclists.

In conjunction with UK Sport, British Cycling subsequently commissioned a separate, independent review of the culture within the organisation, the findings of which are due to be published later this year.

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