British Cycling sticks by Jess Varnish decision

British Cycling has reportedly stuck with its decision to drop Jess Varnish from its Olympic podium programme. The sprinter met British Cycling’s new technical director, Andy Harrison, in Manchester yesterday to discuss her situation but it is understood that the organisation has not changed its position.

Since her contract was not renewed in April, Varnish has maintained that the decision was not performance-based, arguing that at no point was she told that she was underperforming and pointing to a number of achievements in recent years.

However, in an interview prior to his departure from British Cycling, then technical director Shane Sutton said Varnish’s performances had been deteriorating.

“Jess is 25. She has been with us a long, long time. She qualified 17th in the match sprint [in London] so her chances of medalling in Rio were very very slim if not none. And she hasn’t gone as quick as she went three years ago … There is no point carrying on and wasting UK Sport’s money on someone who is not going to medal going forward.”

Varnish’s response to that interview included the claims that Sutton had told her she was “too fat” and should “go and have a baby” that ultimately led to the Australian standing down from his position following further claims of sexism and bullying.

Since then, Varnish has been training in Australia. In a statement earlier in the week, she said she was to meet with Harrison on her return to the UK, expressing her desire to ride for Team GB at the Rio Olympics.

However, according to the Press Association, Harrison has stood by the decision to exclude Varnish from the podium programme, maintaining that her performances are not up to standard. While, in theory, this does not prevent her selection for Rio, the chances of this happening would appear to be extremely slim.

Prior to the meeting, Varnish’s boyfriend, the BMXer Liam Phillips, admitted that her return was unlikely: "While we are still hopeful, we're not stupid and we appreciate there is a selection document to follow. I'm just hopeful we will get through this investigation and everyone will have their say and things will become clearer post-Rio."