Richard Freeman to be investigated by U.K. Anti-Doping
Former Team Sky and British Cycling physician will not fight anti-doping allegations
Richard Freeman, the previous head doctor for Team Sky and British Cycling, has been unsuccessful in his attempt to overturn a ruling in the high court that led to his removal from medical practice. He will now face an investigation by the U.K. Anti-Doping agency.
Procured testosterone for rider
In 2021, Freeman was taken off the medical register following a verdict that found him guilty of procuring 30 packets of prohibited testosterone, which he had delivered to the National Cycling Centre. Investigators concluded he did so with the knowledge or belief that it was intended for an undisclosed rider seeking performance enhancing drugs. Freeman challenged this decision through an appeal, contending that a medical tribunal had erred by considering his former colleague Shane Sutton a “credible and consistent witness,” even though Sutton had left the initial hearing in a confrontational manner.
Freeman’s legal representatives had alleged that Sutton displayed traits of being “hostile, confrontational, elusive, and uncooperative” while providing evidence during the proceedings at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service. However, even though. Justice Fordham acknowledged that specific elements of Sutton’s behavior were “inappropriate,” he determined that there were no flaws in the verdict rendered against Freeman.
Part of the team Sky and British Cycling success story
Freeman played a pivotal role in the remarkable achievements of both Team Sky and British Cycling’s racing accomplishments. He was responsible for overseeing the health and well-being of the riders from 2009 to 2017. However, his credibility suffered a severe blow when he was convicted of orchestrating the acquisition of Testogel for an undisclosed cyclist in May 2011, and subsequently attempting to deceive to conceal his actions. The news reverberated throughout the world of sports, creating a cloud of suspicion over Team Sky and British Cycling.
Testosterone patches delivered to Team Sky HQ not an accident according to investigators
He argued that he got the testosterone on behalf of Sutton, with the intention of treating Sutton’s erectile dysfunction, a claim that the former Australian Team Sky coach and British Cycling technical director vehemently rejected. During the tribunal, Sutton said, “You are saying I can’t get a hard-on in the press. My wife wants to come here and testify you are a bloody liar.”
Justice Fordham concluded his judgment by saying that Freeman’s appeal was getting turfed.“In my judgment, there is nothing within the tribunal’s approach, reasoning or conclusions,” he said. “The appeal is dismissed; and the Appellant is to pay the respondent’s costs summarily assessed in the sum claimed as £23,000.”
