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Sutton victim of trial by press “lynch mob” says Chris Boardman

Suggests Sutton may have previously benefited from ‘balance’ provided by other senior figures around him

Chris Boardman has suggested that Shane Sutton was the victim of a press lynch mob after the Australian resigned from his position as technical director of British Cycling following allegations of sexism and bullying. The former Olympic champion did however welcome the establishment of an inquiry into those allegations and said that perhaps there had been a loss of ‘balance’ at the top of the organisation following the departures of other major figures, including himself.

Boardman previously worked as head of research and development at British Cycling, working closely with Sutton. He told The Times:

“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. 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’s time working alongside Sutton also coincided with the presence of Dave Brailsford and psychologist Steve Peters. After 2014, only Sutton remained of those four.

Victoria Pendleton says she could be at Rio if not for Shane Sutton

“There was a balancing force with four very different people,” said Boardman. “There would be squabbles and fights but those four perspectives balanced. I think the balance went. Shane was called ‘technical director’. What’s that? I don’t think it was ever said internally, ‘Shane, you are in charge’. Fundamentally, he’s a coach. That was his strength.”

Boardman said that the inquiry being led by Annamarie Phelps, the chairwoman of British Rowing, offered a chance to rebuild and he also put forward the name of Sara Symington as a possible new performance director. Symington rode for Britain in Sydney and Athens and is currently performance director for England Netball, having also fulfilled a similar role for Britain’s archery team.

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5 comments

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kitkat | 7 years ago
2 likes

Chris Boardman wrote:

Shane was called ‘technical director’. What’s that? I don’t think it was ever said internally, ‘Shane, you are in charge’. Fundamentally, he’s a coach. That was his strength.

Sounds like mis-management by BC which has been my argument all along. Shane shouldn't be the scapegoat here but a complete review of how the organisation was being run should be undertaken - which is hopefully what the 'indenpendent' review will establish

Avatar
zanf | 7 years ago
4 likes

I dont think you can describe an avalanche of people no longer fearful to speak up as a "lynch mob".

After a litany of allegations emerged against him, it was untennable for Sutton to remain. Aside from the bullying allegations, theres the ones about team kit being sold by the shop he had a grace and favour flat above, as well as other outlets.

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Grizzerly | 7 years ago
4 likes

So, what Chris is saying is that when there were people to keep him in check,  Sutton behaved properly,  but when left to his own devices he behaved badly.  That's the classic pattern of bullying.   Several people have defended Sutton on the grounds that he is Australian,  but that is like defending Hitler on the grounds that he was Austrian.   It's also racist. 

 

 I have no direct experience of the working of Team GB cycling,  but if the reports of claims by various riders are true,  then  Sutton was not the man for the job.  The fact that several people have said he always treated them well personally does not negate reports that he treated others badly. 

 

Many years ago,  I had a neighbour who was unfailingly polite and friendly to me and my family.   This did not excuse the fact that he carried out multiple armed robberies and shoot two people. 

Avatar
Yorkshire wallet replied to Grizzerly | 7 years ago
1 like

Grizzerly wrote:

 

Many years ago,  I had a neighbour who was unfailingly polite and friendly to me and my family.   This did not excuse the fact that he carried out multiple armed robberies and shoot two people. 

 

Yeah some people excuse anything. This bloke at work was a legendary sexual harasser (until he picked on external agency staff one day and got sacked, internal staff just got told to ignore him) and most of the blokes excused him on the grounds that he'd buy you a drink in the pub. Carry on then!

As regards coaching maybe different things work for different people. Some may respond to hard truths and being told when they're shit others may need a different approach. 

Avatar
ColT replied to Grizzerly | 7 years ago
0 likes

Grizzerly wrote:

Several people have defended Sutton on the grounds that he is Australian,  but that is like defending Hitler on the grounds that he was Austrian.   It's also racist. 

 

Racist? Interesting. How so? 

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