Staff speak of 'culture of fear' and 'dictatorial regime' at British Cycling
Independent report criticises British Cycling's World Class Programme
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

An independent report into allegations of sexism and bullying within British Cycling has criticised the actions of former technical director Shane Sutton, the BC board, and UK Sport.
According to the much-delayed report, staff members spoke about a "culture of fear" within the elite-level World Class Programme, saying that they were scared to criticise British Cycling for fear of retribution and possibly losing their jobs.
These problems ramped up in the build up to the London 2012 Olympics, when the pressure for success increased and Shane Sutton presided over a "dictatorial regime".
>>> British Cycling to ask Team Sky to leave Manchester Velodrome
Concerns about this were apparently raised by an internal report in November 2012, however the British Cycling board failed to act on the report, allowing a regime to continue that had "little interest in focusing on athletes as people" and discouraged athletes from having outside interests.
UK Sport is also the subject of criticism as it was aware of some of the problems within British Cycling highlighted in the November 2012 report, but failed to make BC's funding conditional to implementing changes.
The report also found that there was different treatment for different disciplines, with non-track riders saying that they were treated like "second-class citizens", and Shane Sutton, who resigned as technical director in April 2016, used discriminatory language towards female and disabled athletes.
>>> British Cycling to appoint new head of medicine as part of medical overhaul
Reacting to the report, British Cycling chair Jonathan Browning said that changes were already being made to the way the organisation operates.
“It is clear from the report that our structures and procedures, especially at the leadership level within the World Class Programme (WCP), were lacking. Since the findings were shared with us, we have rapidly made major changes to the WCP and to our leadership, operations and governance so that we can ensure that British Cycling learns these lessons and becomes a world class governing body.
“The report states that the experiences of some people on the WCP were not representative of the whole. However this does not diminish the seriousness of the allegations. We hear those criticisms clearly and have and are, committed to acting on them."
Thank you for reading 10 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.
-
-
'They come to my country and kill kids': UCI's decision to allow Russian riders at World Championships draws passionate reaction
There has been a mixed response to the UCI's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian riders the opportunity to return to the international stage.
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
'I’m just bloody happy to win': Tao Geoghegan Hart delighted at ending long wait without a win
Ineos Grenadiers rider celebrates his first victory since the 2020 Giro d'Italia
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Extinction Rebellion stages anti-Shell protest at British Track Champs
Two people carried a banner through the stands at Newport's Geraint Thomas National Velodrome
By Vern Pitt • Published
-
Inside British Cycling's £1 wind tunnel
Cycling Weekly goes behind the scenes of the new medal factory on British Cycling's doorstep
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Brian Cookson says British Cycling has been ‘damaged’ by outsiders with ‘no real knowledge’ of cycling
Former president of UK cycling governing body says current leadership has ‘no empathy’ with people who ‘make cycling happen’
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
CW LIVE: Primož Roglič confirmed for Giro d'Italia 2023; Track rider hits 2,271 watts; NCL announces first two teams; Van Aert to ride cyclo-cross Worlds; Sram and Oakley team up with Jumbo-Visma; Rwanda unveils pump track: Evenepoel eyes Pogačar showdown
Join us as we round up the day's cycling news
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
British National Road Series to shrink in 2023
The UK’s domestic scene will see fewer top-flight road events next season, while the Circuit Series grows
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Five things the next CEO of British Cycling needs to tackle including image repair
There is a vacancy at the top of the sport in the UK, with the in-tray of problems building
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Could you be British Cycling's next CEO? You have until next Friday to apply
There are quite a few problems for the incoming boss of cycling in the UK to sort out, despite continuous success
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
Extinction Rebellion target Ineos and British Cycling with protests
Pair climb BC's HQ with sign that says "Get Shell Out of British Cycling"
By Adam Becket • Last updated