British Cycling coaches had “absolute control” over cyclists and disapproved of them questioning their training regimes, according to a doctor’s evidence at the employment tribunal of the Olympic cyclist Jess Varnish. Varnish was accused of telling “half-truths” and having “gravely misrepresented” her coaches at British Cycling. In his final submission, Thomas Linden QC, representing British Cycling, said Varnish put self-interest before the public interest. I am not sure I am able to say the same of the claimant.”Linden disputed Varnish’s evidence about the amount of control British Cycling coaches had over riders. Varnish had alleged coaches punished riders for minor transgressions, and told them what to wear, eat and say in public.

Source: The Guardian December 14, 2018 14:18 UTC