Then it was claimed on Tuesday night that Sutton had referred to the Paralympians on the team as “gimps” and “wobblies”.
Six-time Paralympic champion Darren Kenny told the Daily Mail: “The attitude towards us was abysmal. We were tolerated at best. The term they used to refer to us was generally ‘gimp’ with another word in front of that.”
But in his resignation statement, Sutton hit back saying: “I have made clear that I reject the specific claims that have been made against me in recent days and I look forward to taking a full part in the review process so I can respond to the allegations in detail.
“Cycling is my passion and I have always worked to get the very best out of professional athletes. I am proud of what British Cycling has achieved and I am excited by the potential of the team for Rio. They will always have my full support.”
British Cycling officials met at their Manchester headquarters to thrash out the details of their review panel with the plan to have a “person of stature” at the helm.
Responding to Sutton’s resignation, British Cycling chief executive Ian Drake said: “I want to put on record my thanks to Shane for his work with British Cycling and the part he has played in our success. I understand and respect Shane’s decision to stand down.”
The organisation’s performance manager Andy Harrison will move into the role of the effective boss of the British cycling team at the Rio Olympics following Sutton’s announcement.
