EX-BRITISH OLYMPIC CYCLIST IS ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED RAPE

A FORMER British Olympic cyclist has been arrested on suspicion of rape and indecent assault.

The ex-rider held a prominent position in professional cycling after his retirement from racing. He enjoyed relationships with some of the biggest names in Britain’s most successful Olympic sport.

The Mail on Sunday is aware of the suspect’s identity but cannot reveal it for legal reasons. Police said that the man had been bailed while an investigation into the allegations was ongoing.

British cycling has enjoyed a golden period since the advent of National Lottery funding dramatically increased the sport’s resources in the late 1990s.

Riders such as Victoria Pendleton and Laura Kenny have won multiple Olympic golds on the track over the past two decades.

Team Sky, now called Team Ineos, has emulated that success on the road under Sir Dave Brailsford’s leadership, winning seven Tours de France.

However, the ruling body British Cycling is emerging from a turbulent period. Its chief executive Brian Facer stepped down in October, three weeks after a new partnership with Shell UK was criticised by environmental groups.

The ruling body lost its title sponsor HSBC when the bank pulled the plug on its deal in December 2021, four years earlier than planned.

Meanwhile, the organisation had to admit it was a mistake to recommend that people did not ride their bikes during the Queen’s funeral.

A British Cycling spokesperson said: ‘Abuse of any kind has no place in sport.’