Becky James in favour of 'great motivator' Shane Sutton returning to British Cycling
Both Becky James and Katy Marchant would be prepared to speak to the independent panel investigating British Cycling's culture
Becky James and Katy Marchant have joined Sir Bradley Wiggins in backing Shane Sutton to return to British Cycling.
James won two silver medals at the Rio Olympic Games, while Marchant took bronze in the sprint.
But Britain's cycling success did not come under the tutelage of their former chief Sutton who resigned in late April in the wake of sexism and discrimination allegations against him, including from Jess Varnish. An independent review into the culture at British Cycling is currently ongoing, with Sutton confident of clearing his name.
Wiggins said earlier this week that he backed a return for Sutton, saying that he wouldn't have any problem with his daughter going into the British Cycling set-up.
Now, James has heaped the praise on Sutton, describing him as one of the biggest influences on her career.
“I’ve never experienced that [claims made]. Shane was a massive supporter of me. I can’t thank him enough for what he did for me," James said.
>>> Dr Hutch: The Olympic Games infects a nation with sporting pride
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"He was the one who believed in me. He believed in me more than I believed in myself. He just texted me [before Rio] telling me to believe in myself. It was just one word: ‘Believe.’ He has always been a great motivator."
Marchant, who was a teammate of Varnish in the team sprint that failed to qualify for the Games, said that the win-or-bust mentality was just part of the sport.
"It’s a cut-throat sport and elite sport is a tough place to be but we choose to do it," she said.
Both riders said they would be prepared to speak to the investigatory panel to relay their own experiences.
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
A freelance sports journalist and podcaster, you'll mostly find Chris's byline attached to news scoops, profile interviews and feature writing across a variety of different publications. He has been writing regularly for Cycling Weekly since 2013.
Previously a ski, hiking and cycling guide in a number of places, but mostly in the Canadian Rockies and Spanish Pyrenees, he almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains.
He lives in Valencia, Spain.
-
Is your bike the noisest in the bunch? 13 steps to a silent ride
A quiet bike is a joy to ride, so here's how to banish unwanted noises - what to check for, how to fix it and why you shouldn't ignore what your bike is telling you
By Tim Russon Published
-
Cycplus Tiny E-Pump AS2 Review - an electric alternative to CO2
Small enough to fit in your pockets, it inflates to 100psi with a 200-second usage per charge
By Paul Grele Published
-
Laura Kenny, Britain’s most successful female Olympian, announces retirement
Kenny won five Olympic and seven world titles during her illustrious career on the track
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Former Ineos Grenadiers boss Rod Ellingworth becomes race director of Tour of Britain
"I feel a real responsibility to get this right," says Ellingworth about new role
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We'll have rounder wheels than everyone else' - Team GB confident in new Olympics tech
Updated Hope-Lotus bike won't feature until Paris, confirms performance director Stephen Park
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jody Cundy Q&A: 'Strictly Come Dancing made me a stronger cyclist'
The Paralympic legend tells Cycling Weekly about almost retiring in 2012, the time he borrowed a Porsche, and how dancing can make us all better cyclists
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘It’s a performance thing’ - why riders are eating Calippos and Greggs steak bakes to fuel gold medals
Forget expensive gels, the best race nutrition comes from corner shops
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Emily Bridges says British Cycling 'violated' her human rights over trans participation rule change
National federation blocked transgender riders from competing in its female event category last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Local authority collaboration key to reinvigorating domestic racing, British Cycling task force says
Ed Clancy, task force chair, says 16 recommendations are ‘realistic and attainable’
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Extinction Rebellion protest Shell deal at British Cycling AGM
Group promises more action against governing body’s controversial Shell sponsorship
By Tom Davidson Published