Shane Sutton hits back at Jess Varnish for ‘trying to keep a profile’

ByEurosport

Updated 11/12/2018 at 14:44 GMT

Former Technical Director of British Cycling Shane Sutton has hit back at fresh reports that Jess Varnish is suing British Cycling and UK Sport.

Shane Sutton Technical Director during the Great Britain Cycling Team media day at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester on August 3, 2015 in Manchester, England.

Image credit: Getty Images

The 60-year-old left his position with British Cycling in April 2016 and has since taken up a new role as Head Coach for China at the Track World Cup.

His departure came after allegations of bullying and discrimination with an inquiry finding that he operated “a culture of fear.”

Eurosport Player One Year Pass for just £29.99

Tour de Romandie

Highlights: Nys powers to victory on Stage 2

00:02:29

10 hours ago

When asked about that news Sutton was dismissive of Varnish, who he allegedly told to “go have a baby.”

“I think it's just someone trying to keep a profile,” Sutton told BBC Sport.

"There's a very small athletic profile there so if you can get yourself in the media: fantastic.

"But for me it's all done and dusted and I just wish British Cycling all the best going forward, because the majority of them don't forget I brought them here."

SKY Procycling Performance Advisor Shane Sutton looks on during stage three of the Tour of Britain, an individual time trial in Knowsley Safari Park, on September 17, 2013 in Knowsley, England

Image credit: Getty Images

He was also very critical of the report itself saying that the people who write them don’t fully understand.

"That's just people probably trying to build their own empire.

"Until you're in the pit and know what's going on I don't really think you can make decisions that they've made.

"The review process is not what many perceive here.

"And the reception I've had here shows that."

Matt Crampton (L) of Great Britain talks with British Cycling Head Coach Shane Sutton on day three of the UCI Track Cycling World Cup at Manchester Velodrome on November 3, 2013 in Manchester, England.

Image credit: Getty Images

Sutton was very positive about the reception he had received saying that he had been overwhelmed by messages from his former colleagues.

"The reception's been a bit overwhelming,

"That's been a bit tough to take because it brings all the memories back.

"People criticise me from a distance but when you get down here into the nitty gritty of the day to day I was pretty much loved by the staff, I've treated them well and that's shown in the reception I've had.

"It's nice to hear them saying you're being missed."

Tour de Romandie