Jess Varnish: Way clear for former Olympic sprinter to sue British Cycling and UK Sport
Court rules that former Great Britain track cycling sprinter Jess Varnish can pursue claim against British Cycling and UK Sport for unfair dismissal and discrimination


The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to The Pick. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Jess Varnish has been told by the court that she can pursue a legal claim against British Cycling and UK Sport for unfair dismissal, sexual discrimination, detriment from whistleblowing and victimisation.
The former Great Britain track sprinter was ejected from the national squad in April 2016 on the basis that her performance was not at the level expected by the squad. It meant that she could not take part in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
As Cycling Weekly has previously reported, Varnish is intending to sue the organisations for compensation for lost income, claiming that her dismissal from the squad was not handled correctly.
>>> Jess Varnish ‘insulted’ as she considers legal action after ‘laughable’ British Cycling report
Varnish claimed that she had been subjected to discrimination and had been told by former technical director Shane Sutton to "go and have a baby". Sutton resigned from his post in April 2016 and denies the allegations.
UK Sport had attempted to have Varnish's case dismissed, but a court hearing on Monday reportedly saw a judge rule that Varnish can continue her legal claim at an employment tribunal on the basis that she was employed by British Cycling and UK Sport, and has employee rights.
If Varnish now pursues with legal action and her claim is successful, there will be a major shake-up in the way that UK Sport-funded athletes are perceived.
They would be treated as employees, and therefore entitled to a pension and have their funding taxed at 20 per cent.
It would also potentially open the way for other athletes to take legal action against British Cycling and UK Sport, and make it difficult for riders to be dropped from the national programme.
In September, a spokesperson from British Cycling told Cycling Weekly: "We are in dialogue with Jess, discussions have been positive and constructive and we look forward to reaching a resolution which all parties will regard as equitable".
>>> British Cycling chair to step down after less than 10 months in role
A source close to Varnish told the BBC that: "She's not doing this for money. She's frustrated that neither UK Sport nor British Cycling have changed the grey situation that athletes still remain in.
"Athletes still have no real rights, no pensions, no grievance and whistleblower procedures, and no course of action, outside of civil action. There are some really deep-rooted issues which she's passionate about."
It is still possible that Varnish's claim could be settled out of court, although if Varnish is seeking a change in the way that athletes are treated rather than for financial compensation, then this seems unlikely.
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
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
-
Back from bankruptcy, Mavic opens new facility in Vermont, teases new product
In addition to re-establishing sales in North America, the historic brand will release new wheels in the coming months
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Neilson Powless on Saving Road Racing in America, Polka Dots and Parenthood
American Neilson Powless talks us through his 2023 Tour de France, preparing for parenthood and his goals for next season and beyond
By Tyler Boucher Published
-
British Cycling sets up task force to revive domestic racing scene
Governing body CEO promises "immediate progress" for struggling scene
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Why we will likely never know which rider Richard Freeman ordered doping products for
With no evidence and limited investigative powers, it seems unlikely any riders will ever be exposed
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Former British Cycling doctor Richard Freeman given four-year doping ban
Freeman chose not to defend himself before the anti-doping panel
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Changing of the guard: Meet the Great Britain track cycling coaches chasing gold medals
British Cycling replaced all four track head coaches last year. Here's how they're masterminding a path to Olympic titles
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Horror crash puts Great Britain men's team pursuit squad out of Worlds in qualifying
Charlie Tanfield's injuries meant he was unable to re-start the qualifying run
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jumbo-Visma signs three young Brits for its development squad
Jed Smithson, Tomos Pattinson and Matthew Brennan have signed contracts with the Dutch team
By Tom Davidson Published
-
GB track sprint coach Kaarle McCulloch to step down, just 15 months after joining
British Cycling begins search for Australian's successor ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics
By Tom Davidson Published
-
British Cycling to cut back under-23 squad road programme, targets two events
National federation cites ‘incredibly challenging financial landscape’
By Tom Davidson Published