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LONDON (Reuters) -
British Cycling has dismissed one of its top coaches after
finding him guilty of gross misconduct including inappropriate
relationships with riders.
Head men's sprint coach Kevin Stewart, who worked with six-time
Olympic track champion Jason Kenny, had been given repeated
warnings about his behaviour, British Cycling said in a
statement.
"While this has been uncomfortable for everybody concerned, it
demonstrates the robustness of the processes we have in place
when concerns are raised," said Stephen Park, Performance
Director for British Cycling.
"The Great Britain Cycling Team has a clear set of expected
behaviours and values and we must hold ourselves and each other
to account when we do not meet the standards of behaviour we set
as a team."
Outlining the reasons for Stewart's dismissal, British Cycling
said he had also inappropriately used electronic communication
and had failed to follow specific direction of the Performance
Director in regard to relationship with riders and professional
boundaries.
The statement stressed that there was no evidence of a physical
relationship between Stewart and any riders.
"I wholeheartedly apologise to the team for my actions, which I
acknowledge were not acceptable," said Stewart, who has been
with the organisation seven years during which time Britain has
enjoyed great success on the track.
"I realised my actions had made my position on the team
untenable and had handed in my resignation before being
dismissed while on my notice period."
Stewart's sacking comes the day after British Cycling announced
the appointment of Brian Facer as its new chief executive, the
former London Irish rugby boss who is replacing Julie Harrington
in January.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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