Banned testosterone patches reportedly ordered on purpose by former Team Sky and British Cycling doctor
General Medical Council obtain evidence that banned patches were intentionally delivered to British Cycling and Team Sky HQ

Testosterone patches which turned up at British Cycling and Team Sky headquarters in 2011 may have been ordered intentionally, according to reports.
As reported by the Daily Mail, an investigation into former British Cycling and Team Sky doctor Dr Richard Freeman by the General Medical Council (GMC) has uncovered evidence that the testosterone was ordered for delivery to the National Cycling Centre in Manchester in 2011, and not delivered as a result of an "administrative error", as has been previously claimed.
The GMC has also reportedly found that there was an attempt to cover up the order of the testosterone patches, with Fit 4 Sport Ltd, the Oldham supplier of the patches, being asked to send an email saying that the package had been sent in error.
>>> Britain's team pursuiters back on top of the podium in Apeldoorn
News of the delivery of a box of testosterone patches to the British Cycling and Team Sky headquarters in Manchester emerged in March 2017, when Dr Steve Peters, who was head of medicine for British Cycling at the time and now serves as Team Sky's psychiatrist, made the claim that the package was the result of an "administrative error" by the supplier.
However Dr Freeman told a UK Anti-Doping investigation in May that the patches were not intended for use by riders.
Dr Freeman is the subject of a GMC inquiry focussing on his work as a medical professional after it emerged that he had not kept proper medical records during his time at Team Sky, which resulted in UKAD being unable to confirm the contents of a mysterious Jiffy bag which was delivered to the team at the 2011 Critérium du Dauphiné. He resigned from British Cycling in October 2017 citing ill-health.
>>> Bradley Wiggins's advice to Tom Pidcock: 'Don't go to Team Sky, they'll ruin you'
The use of testosterone by athletes is banned at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency due to its effects increasing strength and endurance, and improving recovery.
Testosterone patches are intended to be used by men who are unable to naturally produce enough of the hormone, and are placed on the skin with the medication absorbed through the skin and into the blood.
Thank you for reading 5 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
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
-
Check out Peter Sagan's custom-painted, Tour-ready Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7
TotalEnergies' star lines up for his 11th Tour de France riding a familiar bike in unfamiliar colours
By Luke Friend • Published
-
Updated Parcours Alta gravel wheel is wider, more aero and is made with new impact-resistant carbon
From rocky American fire roads to good old British mud-baths, the Alta can do it all, according to Parcours
By Simon Smythe • Published
-
Ineos set to launch new Kenyan cycling academy with Eliud Kipchoge - the first man to run a marathon under two hours
The multinational chemicals company will work in partnership with Ineos Grenadiers and Eliud Kipchoge
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
'British Cycling pulled trans policy because of public pressure' — Emily Bridges
Cyclist said she received threats of physical violence after Boris Johnson said trans women should not compete in women's events
By Adam Becket • Published
-
British Cycling receives £26.6m investment from Sport England
British Cycling will focus on increasing participation in the sport by tackling inequalities and issues of access into cycling
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
British Cycling call for Russian and Belarusian riders to be suspended from races after invasion of Ukraine
UK's governing body urged UCI to stop Russian and Belarusian riders from competing
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Have you heard the one about why Australian track riders dye their hair blonde? Ineos Grenadiers's Luke Plapp reveals all as he seeks world track and road glory
The Ineos Grenadiers youngster is expected to be one of the peloton's strongest time triallists in the ensuing seasons
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Tom Pidcock and Geraint Thomas to make season debuts at Volta ao Algarve
David Gaudu, Remco Evenepoel and Tobias Foss will also race in Portugal from tomorrow
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Who is Kim Heiduk, Ineos Grenadiers' young German signed to bolster their sprint and Classics options?
The 21-year-old spent three years at the U23 team Lotto-Kern Haus
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Surprise: Egan Bernal posts video of himself walking unaided following crash
Colombian has returned home for rehab after spending two weeks in hospital after his collision
By Adam Becket • Published