BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
UKAD’s investigation into“the Jiffy Bag” delivered to Team Sky during the 2011 Critérium du Dauphiné has concluded.
The UK anti-doping organisation said it has been unable to confirm – or refute – the account that the package delivered to Team Sky for supposed use by Sir Bradley Wiggins contained Fluimucil. UKAD does not intend to issue any anti-doping charges in relation to the investigation.
UKAD said it had became aware of information that it considered to be of possible interest to the General Medical Council and had shared that information. "[We] will continue to liaise with the GMC as appropriate in relation to that information," said a UKAD statement.
UKAD CEO Nicole Sapstead said:
“I can confirm that UKAD does not intend to issue any anti-doping charges as a result of the investigation into the package.
"As with all UKAD investigations, our work has been thorough and extensive, and I can reassure the public that we treat every credible allegation with the utmost seriousness.
“Our investigation was hampered by a lack of accurate medical records being available at British Cycling. This is a serious concern. As part of their conditions to receive public funding from UK Sport and other Home Country Sports Councils, all sports governing bodies must comply with the UK National Anti-Doping Policy. In this case the matter was further complicated by the cross over between personnel at British Cycling and Team Sky."
Sir Bradley Wiggins issued this statement:
My say on the matter… pic.twitter.com/7MiSsFHtQE
— Brad Wiggins (@SirWiggo) November 15, 2017
A statement from Team Sky said:
"We are pleased that UK Anti-Doping have concluded their investigation and that they will not be taking any further action. We have always maintained that there was no wrongdoing and we have co-operated fully with UK Anti-Doping over the last year.
"Since our inception as a new pro cycling team in 2010 we have continually strengthened our systems and processes so they best support our strong commitment to anti-doping."
British Cycling CEO Julie Harrington said: “I would like to thank Nicole Sapstead and her team at UKAD for the diligence and determination they have shown in investigating this matter. Their work on this, and throughout sport, is essential if we are to earn and retain the trust of athletes and fans.
“UKAD’s findings represent an organisation and culture that, despite delivering on the world stage, did not meet the high standards that British Cycling today holds itself to. We note that UKAD have referred information arising from their investigation to the General Medical Council and we offer them our wholehearted cooperation."
