Sir Dave hits out at UKAD chairman

UNDER-PRESSURE Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford has criticised the chairman of UK Anti-Doping for undermining the ongoing investigation into allegations of wrongdoing in cycling.

Brailsford, speaking publicly for the first time since being called before parliament at the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) select committee on December 19, side-stepped direct questions over his position, saying he was focusing on the future.

However, the 52-yearold added he would consider his position if he felt he could no longer fulfil his role.

Brailsford chose his words carefully. And he was measured and deliberate in his response to UKAD chairman David Kenworthy’s description of the evidence given in parliament by senior British cycling figures as “extraordinary” and “very disappointing”.

“The only extraordinary thing, I think, was the chairman of UKAD’s comments when he commented about an ongoing investigation,” said Brailsford.

“As an organisation like UKAD and for the chair to say it is an extraordinary thing, that’s the extraordinary thing in itself.

“To try to dive in halfway through and undermine that process is not for me. I don’t think most fair-minded people would think that was the best way of doing it.

“I’ve written to UK Anti-Doping to express our concerns about that.”

UKAD is investigating a package delivered to Team Sky and Sir Bradley Wiggins at the June 2011 Criterium du Dauphine.

The British squad’s use of therapeutic use exemptions for Wiggins, the Tour’s first British winner in 2012, have also attracted criticism.

Team Sky have always denied “wrongdoing” and say no anti-doping rule violation has taken place.