Victoria Pendleton rubbishes some of Shane Sutton's claims of support towards her
Victoria Pendleton says Shane Sutton never "held her" in his arms, saying that their relationship deteriorated between the Beijing and London Olympics
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eLRY8LRb9NDVf5NvWzFBqU-415-80.jpg)
Victoria Pendleton has rejected Shane Sutton's claims that he "held her" in his arms when she "capitulated" in the track centre, which the former British Cycling technical director made after his suspension from the governing body.
Pendleton supported Jess Varnish's claims of sexism within British Cycling, in which Varnish said Sutton told her to "go and have a baby". Pendleton revealed that she thought her opinions when in the programme were not as well respected as those of the men.
In response, Sutton told the Times that he was disappointed that the Olympic gold medallist had spoken out, saying he comforted her many times and even stayed up until 3am painting her house in the run-up to the Beijing 2008 Games.
Pendleton told The Times: "Apparently he has held me in his arms many times. I can tell you Shane has never thrown his arms around me."
As for him helping decorate her house, she said: "That was Shane on a good day. My relationship with Shane was good before Beijing but notice he was talking about the lead-up to 2008. It would be interesting to ask how he was with me in the lead-up to London. That might be a different story.
"It's all very well being supportive some of the time, but when you trust someone and they turn their back on you it's the most heart-breaking thing they can do. Shane can be a great bloke, but not all the time and it's a toss of the coin which side you get."
Sutton resigned his position as technical director soon after his suspension. He was also accused of discriminating against para-cyclists in the Great Britain set up.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
A Stars and Stripes jersey and cold hard cash: the 2024 Gravel National Championships to offer a 40,000 prize purse for elite races
The US Gravel National Championships will return to Gering, Nebraska, on September 8
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Tadej Pogačar broke 288 Strava KOMs during Tour de France victory
Slovenian won his third Tour title in Nice last weekend, and picked up a host of new trophies on Strava
By Tom Thewlis 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
-
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