Team Sky sponsor sends message of support to team amid UKAD investigation
The deputy head of Sky News and chairman of the Team Sky board says the British team still has the corporation's backing amid a string of controversies
Graham McWilliam, deputy head of Sky News, has told Team Sky they still have the corporation's full support amid a string of controversies to hit the British WorldTour team.
Team Sky are subject to a UK Anti-Doping investigation in relation to a medical package delivered to a riders at the end of the 2011 Critérium du Dauphiné and has faced scrutiny over its use of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for riders such as Sir Bradley Wiggins, to use banned substances to treat illnesses and allergies.
Last week, the Daily Mail revealed that Team Sky and Sir Dave Brailsford were set to be questioned regarding the package delivered to the Dauphiné by then British Cycling women's coach Simon Cope, with UKAD meeting with BC officials at the National Cycling Centre on Friday.
McWilliam, who is chairman of the Team Sky board, tweeted a message that he sent to the team, which confirmed the corporation's trust in the team's actions.
"Keep your feet firmly on the ground and stay focused on what's important," the message read. "For Team Sky that's racing and winning, the right way. That's what we've done from the start and that's what we'll continue to do in the future.
"I can assure you of Sky's full and continued support. There is no equivocation on our part. We trust you, we believe in you and we remain as excited about this sport as ever."
>>> MPCC says it already has a solution for Team Sky/Wiggins TUE woes
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
In a statement following the claims in the Daily Mail, Team Sky said: "We take these issues seriously and will cooperate fully with UKAD. We hope it can be completed as thoroughly and quickly as possible."
British Cycling confirmed the ongoing UKAD operation but said it was unable to comment further.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
I’m a fat cyclist; these are the top 3 misconceptions people have about bigger riders and why they’re wrong
After my recent 'We're fat cyclists' reel went viral, I realized I had hit a nerve
By Marley Blonsky Published
-
8 pro mechanic set-up hacks inspired by the Spring Classics
Riding the rough stuff? Glen Whittington, our resident pro mechanic, ramps up speed and comfort with hacks from the cobbled classics
By Glen Whittington Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers delighted with Egan Bernal’s late cameo on stage one of Paris-Nice
Colombian snapped up key bonus seconds in the general classification battle on run in to Les Mureaux
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘It doesn’t change anything’ - Tom Pidcock’s coach on Tadej Pogačar at Strade Bianche
Kurt Bogaerts says the pressure is off for Pidcock as he looks to defend the title he emphatically won last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers say they will work with British Cycling to get Tour of Britain back on ‘as quickly as possible’
Ben Swift and Owain Doull both say it would be a "shame" were the Tour of Britain to be no more
By Adam Becket Published
-
‘We're now the hunter, not the hunted’ - New Ineos Grenadiers CEO commits to reclaiming top spot amongst WorldTour elite
John Allert outlines team’s targets and ambitions for 2024, including regaining Grand Tour dominance of old
By Tom Thewlis Published