Richard Freeman, the former Team Sky and British Cycling Federation team doctor, has knowingly ordered banned testosterone, knowing or believing that it was intended to improve a rider’s performance. That is the judgment of the medical disciplinary judge in Manchester.
The medical tribunal’s case against the controversial British sports doctor, who worked for the squad of Tour winners Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins between 2009 and 2017, has been open since February 2019. He had been charged with 22 charges, including lying to the British anti-doping agency and the failure to properly maintain medical records.
He would also have ordered thirty sachets of Testogel, a drug that is on the doping list because it contains testosterone. Freeman had already admitted 18 of the charges, but consistently denied that the testosterone was for a rider.
Freeman stated that he ordered the testosterone to treat former Sky coach Shane Sutton for an erectile dysfunction. That statement is therefore not believed by the disciplinary judge.
Punishment still unknown
“The tribunal finds it proven that you placed and received the order, knowing or believing that the drug would be administered to an athlete to improve performance. The motive of your action was to obscure the course of action,” quotes the British. The Guardian newspaper issued the verdict of the disciplinary judge.
It is not yet clear what kind of punishment Freeman will be given. His doctor’s license may be taken from him. The case continues for the next few days.
The British Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) also has two cases against Freeman, for possession of illegal substances and manipulating or attempting to manipulate doping controls. He faces a four-year suspension for this.
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