Dr Richard Freeman’s medical tribunal adjourned, but public will not be told why
The case will be considered at a new hearing on an unspecified date
The medical tribunal of former British Cycling and Team Sky doctor Richard Freeman has been adjourned, but the public will not be told why.
Dr Freeman, who denies all allegations against him, is accused of ordering testosterone to British Cycling headquarters in Manchester with the intention of administering it to an athlete to dope.
He was due to face a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) misconduct hearing in February, but the case never got started as legal arguments were heard behind closed doors.
The MPTS announced on Tuesday (March 5) that the case would be adjourned to be considered by a new tribunal at a later date.
>>> Marcel Kittel says blood doping revelations ‘a slap in the face to clean athletes like him’
A decision was made during a private session, but the details of that announcement will not be made public.
A spokesperson for the General Medical Council, which has been investigating Dr Freeman’s conduct, said: “It is frustrating that this case has not yet got underway.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“We remain ready to open our case in public and we hope we will be permitted to do so as soon as possible.”
According to the pre-hearing information, on May 16, 2011 Dr Freeman allegedly ordered 30 sachets of Testogel from Fit4Sport Limited to the Manchester Velodrome.
Dr Freeman is also accused of making untrue statements when he denied making the order and suggested the order had been made by mistake.
He is then alleged to have contacted Fit4Sport Limited in October 2011, requesting written confirmation that the order have been sent in error, returned and would be destroyed by the company, knowing this was not true.
Dr Freemen then showed the email to others, knowing the contents were untrue, according to the allegations.
The tribunal was also due hear evidence around allegations that Dr Freeman made untrue statements to the UK Anti-Doping organisation in an interview in February 2017, when he said that the Testogel had been ordered for a non-athlete member of staff and had been returned to Fit4Sport Limited.
It is further alleged that Dr Freeman’s motive for ordering the Testogel was to administer it to an athlete to improve their athletic performance.
The tribunal would also inquire into the allegation that, during his time as team doctor for athletes at British Cycling and Team Sky, Dr Freeman inappropriately provided medical treatment that did not constitute first aid to non-athlete members of staff.
He also allegedly failed to inform three patients’ GPs of medication prescribed and reasons for prescribing.
Dr Freeman is also accused of failing to keep an adequate record management system, that his management of prescription-only medication was inappropriate and that he failed to ensure records on a laptop, which was stolen from him in August 2014, could be retrieved.
>>> Laura Kenny says Britain’s track squad ‘have to come together as a team’ ahead of Tokyo 2020
Announcing the delay on Tuesday, a MPTS spokesperson said: “The tribunal hearing case of Dr Freeman has adjourned the case to be considered by a new tribunal at a future date.
“It will be listed by the MPTS in due course.
“The tribunal announced it’s decision today in private session, and a public version will not be made available.
“We believe it is in the public interest, and the interest of everybody involved in the case, for hearings to be completed as quickly as possible.
“We will be working with the parties to relist this hearing at the earliest opportunity.”
Dr Freeman had been due to give evidence before the digital, culture, media and sport committee in Westminster in 2017, but failed to appear citing a “major depressive illness.”
He resigned at British Cycling’s head doctor that year due to ill health.
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
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
Hexlox anti-theft system for wheels review - is the ‘world’s smallest lock for bike parts’ any good?
This bolt blocking solution from Hexlox is tiny and saves you having to lug around a lock cable to go with your D-lock
By Anna Marie Abram Published
-
What's the optimum pressure for my gravel tyres?
Tyre pressure impacts comfort, grip and speed on gravel - here's how to get it right
By Luke Friend Published
-
British Cycling's future secured by 'game-changing' title sponsor deal with Lloyds Bank
The 'landmark' partnership will see the bank sponsor the Tours of Britain and be present on GB's cycling kit
By Adam Becket Published
-
British Cycling targeted by anti-Shell billboards
Activists from Brandalism have replaced adverts with their own artwork across the country ahead of Shell's AGM
By Adam Becket Published
-
Overachiever: Cameron Wurf competed in the Amstel Gold, La Flèche Wallonne and an Ironman, all in just eight days
Cameron Wurf is both a member of Team Ineos Grenadiers and an accomplished professional long course triathlete who has racked up numerous World Tour and Ironman race finishes across his career.
By Kristin Jenny 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