Freeman set to be struck off but considers appeal

Dr Richard Freeman, the former British Cycling and Team Sky doctor, is to be struck off the medical register permanently. He has been suspended with immediate effect until the process of “erasure” has taken place.

The sanction comes a day after a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Serineos vice panel ruled that his fitness to practise was “impaired” and a week after the same MPTS panel found him guilty of ordering testosterone to the national velodrome in May 2011 “knowing or believing” it was intended for doping purposes.

In a brief statement, Freeman said he “disagreed vehemently” with the determination of the tribunal and was considering an appeal “with the benefit of further legal advice”.

It is understood Freeman is looking at whether he can fund an appeal, which may depend on whether the Medical Defence Union, which has borne the costs of his legal battle to date, believes he has a chance of winning.

Freeman claims he was bullied into ordering the Testogel by former head coach Shane Sutton to treat the Australian’s alleged erectile dysfunction, an allegation Sutton strongly denies.

The MPTS did not find Freeman a credible witness. Whether he does or does not appeal, Freeman will be suspended immediately.

His QC, Mary O’rourke, had supplied the panel with a number of testimonials on his behalf, telling the tribunal of the work he was now doing as a GP in a deprived area of Lancashire, including on the country’s Covid vaccination programme.

O’rourke submitted that there was a greater public interest in allowing Freeman to continue his work.