Top Aussie coach Shane Sutton quits post as head of Britain’s Olympic track cycling team

BRITAIN’S top Olympic cycling coach, Australian Shane Sutton, has resigned after being accused of bullying and harassment of female and disabled riders but says he will defend his reputation.

Shane Sutton has stepped down from his role as head of the British track cycling team.

BRITAIN’S top Olympic cycling coach, Australian Shane Sutton, has resigned after being accused of bullying and harassment of female and disabled riders but says he will defend his reputation.

Sutton, 58, said he was walking away because he did not want the issue to be a distraction to the Olympic squad, which is expected to win multiple gold medals in Rio for the third successive Games _ with Australia its main rival.

He had been suspended from his post as technical director while British Cycling investigates claims he referred to Paralympic riders as “gimps” and “wobblies” and told prominent track rider Jessica Varnish that she was too old, had a big bum and “should just move on and have a baby.”

It’s alleged Shane Sutton made derogatory comments towards Jessica Varnish

In the latest allegation, retired Malaysian rider Josiah Ng said Sutton had called him “a boatie,” possibly unaware the term was derogatory.

“Never in a negative context. It was always said in jest. That’s who he is. He’s old school that way,” Ng said.

“I don’t think he’s racist.”

Sutton, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist when riding for Australia in the 70s and 80s, welcomed the review into the performance program and said he would co-operate.

“I have made it clear I reject the specific claims made against me and I look forward to taking a full part in the review process so I can respond to the allegations in detail,” he said.

Originally published as Top Aussie coach Shane Sutton quits post as head of Britain’s Olympic track cycling team