British Cycling is ready to ask Team Sky to move out of their shared offices at their base inside the Manchester Velodrome.
It is understood that board members have looked into upending the close ties the two organisations have shared in an effort to rebuild their reputation, according to the Guardian.
Rebuilding reputation is paramount for BC, after recent inquiries has seen it brought to task about claims of sexism and bullying within the ranks.
Team Sky’s proximity hasn’t done BC any favours either with the WorldTour team’s own crisis involving a mystery medical package being delivered to Bradley Wiggins after racing the Critérium du Dauphiné in 2011.
Dave Brailsford has lead both Team Sky and British Cycling but will now be asked to leave the Manchester Velodrome
Having both been spearheaded by Dave Brailsford and sharing staff, questions have been raised about Team Sky’s, a private organisation, proximity to British Cycling, a public body.
The pair have also shared sponsors, with Sky backing BC with £2.5m a year through sponsorship deals for participation schemes on the whole. However, some of that money has gone into funding the Olympic programme before HSBC became the new head sponsor earlier this year.
Their close ties have forced the public body to review any conflict of interest in the past with consultancy firm, Deloitte, being paid £40,000 to investigate.
The findings found that their relationship was beneficial to Olympic and Paralympic riders, thanks to the Sky programme. However, things have since changed and BC must be seen to act.
Board members are hoping that by forcing the move they can create a clear distinction between the pair and make a start at rebuilding their reputation in the public’s eye, with an official announcement expected early next week.
