Sutton considering Cycling Australia role

Shane Sutton, who resigned as technical director of British Cycling ahead of the Rio Olympic Games, is considering applying for a role with Cycling Australia.

Shane Sutton. Source: AAP

Former Great Britain Cycling technical director Shane Sutton is considering whether to apply for the position of high performance director with Cycling Australia.

The 59-year-old resigned as British Cycling technical director 100 days prior to the Rio Olympics, ending a 15-year association, amid allegations of discrimination which he continues to deny.

Sutton was last week found to have used "inappropriate and discriminatory language" towards Jess Varnish, effectively ending hope of a return to the British National Cycling Centre in Manchester.

Australia-born Sutton, who plans to appeal against the decision of the internal investigation, had agreed with British Cycling not to consider roles with rival nations ahead of a conclusion to the investigation.

Now he says he is on the job market. And Cycling Australia, for whom his brother Gary works as a coach, is advertising for a 'high-performance director' to lead its elite teams.

Sutton, speaking at the Rouleur Classic cycling exhibition in London, told Press Association Sport: "I saw the role in Australia. Everybody wants to lead their own country, but it's something I need to digest.

"I need to digest what's just happened, (but) the palate's still wet, I have loads to offer.

"I believed I was doing a very good job and it's a shame I didn't get the chance to develop even further.

"I've got so much knowledge I want to find a role befitting to my knowledge, something which whets my appetite and go somewhere where I feel I can make a difference.

"I'm now officially out on the market. I've recharged the batteries and I feel like I'm ready to throw myself back in."

Sutton declined to confirm or deny if he had received a pay-off from British Cycling.

"That's something that will have to remain confidential between myself and British Cycling," he added.

Sutton is determined to prove his innocence over claims from Varnish that he told her to "go and have a baby".

He added: "Everything comes out in the dirty washing. I am quite sure the evidence this time will prevail and I will win."