Jess Varnish 'relieved' that British Cycling uphold her claims against Shane Sutton

Jess Varnish hopes that British Cycling's investigation will pave the way for a better environment for its athletes.

Jess Varnish (Photo: Andy Jones)

Jess Varnish has expressed her relief in the news that British Cycling upheld her claims that Shane Sutton used "inappropriate and discriminatory language" towards her.

The national governing body released its findings from an internal investigation on Friday (October 28), six months after former Great Britain track sprinter Varnish alleged that Sutton told her "to go and have a baby" and said that she had a "fat arse". Sutton was suspended by British Cycling pending the investigation and subsequently resigned.

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

Chris Marshall-Bell

A freelance sports journalist and podcaster, you'll mostly find Chris's byline attached to news scoops, profile interviews and feature writing across a variety of different publications. He has been writing regularly for Cycling Weekly since 2013.


Previously a ski, hiking and cycling guide in a number of places, but mostly in the Canadian Rockies and Spanish Pyrenees, he almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains.


He lives in Valencia, Spain.