Amid controversy, British Cycling suspends director Sutton

MILAN (VN) — British Cycling suspended its successful director Shane Sutton just 100 days before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics over a deepening discrimination row. He is accused of making derogatory comments toward females and para-cyclists.

Darren Kenny, a Paralympic gold medalist, said he and others were regularly referred to as “gimps.” Four days ago, Jess Varnish said Sutton told her to “go away and have a baby” when he refused to renew her place on the team.

The federation banned Sutton overnight as it investigates the claims. The cycling superpower must act quickly if it intends to continue its domination at the upcoming Rio Games, which start August 5.

“British Cycling is announcing the formation of an independent review, in conjunction with UK Sport, of the federation’s performance programs following allegations of discriminatory behavior,” reads a statement from the federation. “We are fully committed to the principles and active promotion of equality of opportunity and we must take any such allegations seriously.”

In an update, …

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