Richard Freeman likely to face anti-doping charges before tribunal conclusion, according to reports
The former British Cycling and Team Sky doctor is still awaiting the conclusion of a misconduct hearing
Former British Cycling and Team Sky doctor Richard Freeman is likely to face anti-doping charges before the conclusion of his medical misconduct hearing, according to reports.
Dr Freeman is currently fighting claims from the General Medical Council (GMC) that he ordered testosterone to the British Cycling headquarters in 2011, while “knowing or believing” it was to be used to enhance an athlete’s performance.
The medical misconduct hearing, held by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), has been marred by setbacks and delays and is now not expected to be concluded until October 2020.
According to The Times newspaper, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) had planned to delay any anti-doping charges against Freeman until after the tribunal had concluded, but is now considering bringing proceedings forward because of delays in the hearing.
UKAD has reportedly received legal guidance that any charges must be brought by May 2021, when the statute of limitations expires.
Freeman has admitted 19 of the 22 GMC charges, but denies that the 30 testosterone sachets were ordered for an athlete to dope.
The hearing got underway in October, but the process has been marred by delays and legal arguments, with the tribunal announcing in December that proceedings would be put on hold until April 28, 2020 because Dr Freeman is unwell.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
According to the tribunal, the hearing will reconvene on Tuesday April 28 next year and run until Friday, May 29, before restarting once again on Monday, October 5 until Friday, October 16 2020.
The process had already been delayed from February, with Dr Freeman admitting most of the charges against him as soon as the hearing got under way in October.
>>> Fabio Jakobsen wins Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana final stage as Pogačar seals overall
The tribunal has been unable to get to the bottom of the testosterone delivery, as Freeman claimed he was bullied into making the order for Shane Sutton to treat Sutton’s erectile dysfunction. Sutton denies any knowledge of the order.
UKAD declined to comment to The Times, but the newspaper reports that any charges are unlikely to be issued before Freeman gives evidence at the tribunal.
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.
-
I'm not into cake stops - but - I made an exception to rate five British delicacies in one ride
Of all the cakes named after places in the north-west of England, which is the tastiest? Simon Warren sets out to sample them all in a single epic ride
By Simon Warren Published
-
The Rugby Flyer flies again: the story of the first sub-hour '25' time trial
How one record-breaking bike – and the memory of the man who rode it – live on
By James Shrubsall Published