Former British Cycling doctor Richard Freeman accused of obtaining testosterone to improve athlete’s performance
The former British Cycling and Team Sky doctor faces a string of allegations around his medical practices
The date has been set for the medical tribunal of Dr Richard Freeman over a banned testosterone delivery.
Dr Freeman has been investigated over allegations that he ordered a banned testosterone product to the British Cycling headquarters in Manchester, and then attempted to cover up the order.
He will now face a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) misconduct hearing, starting in February, where a panel will assess his fitness to practice.
Dr Freeman has denied any wrongdoing, telling the BBC last year year that he “can clear everything up” but is unable to speak because of the investigation.
The MTPS have published full details of the allegations Dr Freeman is facing.
>>> Jani Brajkovic banned for 10 months over contaminated supplement
According to the pre-hearing information, on May 16, 2011 Dr Freeman allegedly ordered 30 sachets of Testogel from Fit4Sport Limited to the Manchester Velodrome.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Dr Freeman is also accused of making untrue statements when he denied making the order and suggested the order had been made by mistake.
He is then alleged to have contacted Fit4Sport Limited in October 2011, requesting written confirmation that the order have been sent in error, returned and would be destroyed by the company, knowing this was not true.
Dr Freemen then showed the email to others, knowing the contents were untrue, according to the allegations.
The tribunal will also hear evidence around allegations that Dr Freeman made untrue statements to the UK Anti-Doping organisation in an interview in February 2017, when he said that the Testogel had been ordered for a non-athlete member of staff and had been returned to Fit4Sport Limited.
>>> Pinarello bike destroyed as aftermarket motor battery catches fire
It is further alleged that Dr Freeman’s motive for ordering the Testogel was to administer it to an athlete to improve their athletic performance.
The tribunal will also inquire into the allegation that, during his time as team doctor for athletes at British Cycling and Team Sky, Dr Freeman inappropriately provided medical treatment that did not constitute first aid to non-athlete members of staff.
He also allegedly failed to inform three patients’ GPs of medication prescribed and reasons for prescribing.
Dr Freeman is also accused of failing to keep an adequate record management system, that his management of prescription-only medication was inappropriate and that he failed to ensure records on a laptop, which was stolen from him in August 2014, could be retrieved.
The MPTS misconduct hearing will be held in Manchester from February 6 to March 5.
Allegations against Dr Freeman have been published on the MPTS website, but they may be subject to change as the hearing proceeds and findings of fact are made by the tribunal.
Decision will be published within 28 days of the conclusion of the hearing.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
‘There's no point to race for 50th place’: Peter Sagan explains why he’s a cycling esports ambassador but won’t compete
As a MyWhoosh ambassador, Sagan admires the sport’s evolution, but does he have the watts to compete with today’s virtual cycling stars?
By Christopher Schwenker Published
-
Rapha's loss, your gain: prices slashed sitewide amid profitability concerns
The British clothing brand unveils an almost unheard-of 25% discount across its entire product range
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
Mark Cavendish to Cat Ferguson: British Cycling Academy celebrates 20th anniversary
GB's national development pathway has enjoyed two medal-winning decades
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers hire new head of engineering as reshuffle continues
Former British Cycling lead, Dr Billy Fitton, is the latest of a handful of new appointments within the British squad
By Tom Davidson Published
-
UCI confirm investigation launched into 'unapproved' frameset used by Saint Piran
British team glued fake UCI compliance labels to open mould frames purchased from far east
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British Cycling to 'supercharge' Tours of Britain with new IMG deal
Global media company to help get media and commercial rights into a "healthy place" in order to invest into other parts of BC
By Adam Becket Published
-
British Cycling 'embraces' challenges in reviving domestic scene
Governing body shares task force update, revealing it has tackled fewer than half of its previous recommendations
By Tom Davidson Published
-
British Cycling's future secured by 'game-changing' title sponsor deal with Lloyds Bank
The 'landmark' partnership will see the bank sponsor the Tours of Britain and be present on GB's cycling kit
By Adam Becket Published
-
British Cycling targeted by anti-Shell billboards
Activists from Brandalism have replaced adverts with their own artwork across the country ahead of Shell's AGM
By Adam Becket Published
-
Overachiever: Cameron Wurf competed in the Amstel Gold, La Flèche Wallonne and an Ironman, all in just eight days
Cameron Wurf is both a member of Team Ineos Grenadiers and an accomplished professional long course triathlete who has racked up numerous World Tour and Ironman race finishes across his career.
By Kristin Jenny Published