SCANDAL AT UK CYCLING: Former British team owner allowed to work with female riders after sexual misconduct probing

Female riders on a (no-longer existing) British team have alleged sexual harassment from the team owner, who had already been banned from working with youth riders and investigated by the police and cycling’s national governing body over safeguarding concerns. The man in his sixties should have never been allowed to work with a women's team, but this situation did ultimately happen despite knowing of his past.

Female riders have told Cycling Weekly that "he made comments about banning riders’ partners from events due to their interference, and offered massages in an inappropriate manner." Male riders on a team the individual was involved with have said "he would regularly make degrading remarks relating to female team members' bodies whilst at races, playing these down as 'banter' when challenged."

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They also said that the man's behaviour made them feel "deeply uncomfortable, especially considering that the past investigation into his conduct was common knowledge and discussed by the man himself." He is also said to have regularly made inappropriate comments about riders weight and regularly given riders unsolicited physical contact after events.

A British Cycling spokesperson told Cycling Weekly: "British Cycling takes allegations regarding abuse or inappropriate behaviour extremely seriously. In cases where a statutory agency is involved, such as the police or a Local Authority Designated Officer, we work closely with them to support any investigation and seek guidance and direction. Where recommendations are made by a statutory body, we follow these."

In contrary to those words, British Cycling gave the individual - who cannot be named for legal reasons - a green light to enable him to be involved with a women’s team, after he was previously probed by the police for sexual misconduct. He was never faced with any legal charges, but the police officer in charge of the case recommended the man should not be allowed to work with junior riders or older females.

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