Chris Boardman: Shane Sutton forced out of British Cycling by 'lynch mob'
Chris Boardman says the Shane Sutton saga was an exercise of "throwing mud at British Cycling and seeing what sticks"

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.
Chris Boardman described Shane Sutton as being "passionate and right on the edge" and says the Australian was forced out of British Cycling as the media were behaving like a "lynch mob" in April.
Sutton resigned from his post as technical director at British Cycling after allegations of sexism and discrimination were made against him, notably from track sprinter Jess Varnish and para-cyclist Darren Kenny.
In an interview with The Times, Boardman, who worked alongside Sutton in his role as BC's head of research and development, says he doesn't agree with how the coach was portrayed during the process.
“Whether we got on or not — and we didn’t always get on — I thought it was a horrible trial by press for a week with just one side of the story,” he said.
“Shane’s behaviour was always passionate and right on the edge, Australian. It’s a really sad way to end a career of 20 years.
“It was a bit of lynch mob. Sexism, bullying, selection... it was throwing mud at British Cycling and seeing what sticks. And one individual held responsible for everything.”
Boardman subsequently told Cycling Weekly: "I don't condone bullying by individuals or the media and I think it's ironic how many are happy to bully someone – without trial – who's accused of bullying. That was my point and I resent it being twisted.
"Let the review process do its job, with facts and evidence, and then come to a reasoned decision. That's what civilised people are supposed to do."
An independent investigation has opened into the culture within British Cycling, chaired by Annamarie Phelps of British Rowing. Boardman says he welcomed the inquiry as an opportunity "to look and rebuild". Former England rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster is on the board, which will also look at allegations that lottery-funded equipment was being sold online.
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!
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.
-
-
We need you! Nominations for 2023 Cycling Weekly awards open
Nominate your club or a local volunteer to recognise the best in British cycling
By Simon Richardson Published
-
Cycling keeps you fit but are you doing enough to stay healthy?
It’s possible to be very fit in one specific way, for example being fast on a bike, while being unhealthy in other ways
By Joe Laverick Published
-
Joe Blackmore and Xan Crees win British Gravel Championships
Young duo topple favourites in Suffolk to claim national titles
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We had to be clever' - Great Britain seal late silver in men’s Madison at World Championships
British duo Ollie Wood and Mark Stewart see patience rewarded in Glasgow, narrowly missing out on gold
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Track gold rush for Great Britain on day two of the World Championships
Hosts take four new para-cycling titles, while the USA also continue track success
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'Pure happiness': Pfeiffer Georgi conquers the pressure to take second British national title
The 22-year-old dealt a killer blow with her attack on the final climb
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tough Redcar and Cleveland course for British National Championships
North East region also set to host round of the National Road Series
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'If in doubt, sit them out': British Cycling releases concussion guidance for riders
Anyone with even the mildest concussion symptoms will be advised to return to competition for at least 21 days
By Adam Becket Published
-
Lotus working on second generation of Olympic gold medal winning British Cycling bike
UK automotive engineering giant is joined by hi-spec engineering firm Renishaw
By Vern Pitt Published
-
'Just don't wreck yourself' - Fred Wright on his GB track gamble and the Olympics
The Bahrain Victorious rider is set to compete at the European Track Championships next week
By Tom Davidson Published