Varnish blow as axed star loses British Cycling case

JESS VARNISH has lost her landmark employment case against British Cycling and UK Sport in a decision that protects the current funding system for Olympic athletes. Varnish, who was axed from the GB cycling team four months before the 2016 Rio Games, had attempted to prove she was an employee. Had she been successful at a hearing in Manchester last month, it could have had huge implications for the model that enables athletes to receive tax-free funding to pursue their Olympic dreams. While Varnish can appeal, the decision means the 28-year-old, who is due to give birth to her first child, is unlikely to be able to sue for wrongful dismissal and sexual discrimination following claims she made against former British Cycling technical director Shane Sutton. ‘Jess and her legal team continue to digest the 43-page judgement and will look to offer a statement soon,’ said a spokesperson for the cyclist. UK Sport said the employment judge’s decision gave them ‘confidence’ in the current system. A British Cycling spokesman said: ‘The decision to contest this case was founded on what we believe is in the best interests of riders who represent GB, and our conviction that our relationship with them is not one of employer-employee but of a service-provider supporting athletes to achieve their best. ‘We very much regret Jess was advised to pursue an employment tribunal. The culture of the GB Cycling Team is changed for the better since Jess raised her concerns and we hope to welcome her to the National Cycling Centre.’