British Cycling offers Lizzie Armitstead an apology over medals incident

British Cycling today published the following statement regarding the incident at the Women's Elite and U23 Road Race on Saturday when she was denied her silver medal in the elite event because she had won gold in the u23 category, a decision that was later reversed.

LIZZIE ARMITSTEAD TO BE AWARDED TWO MEDALS FOLLOWING HER SUCCESS AT THE NATIONAL ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS

British Cycling has over-ruled the decision of the Chief Commissaire not to award Lizzie Armitstead two medals following her success in the Women’s Elite and Under 23 National Road Championships on Saturday 27 June held in Abergavenny, Wales.

Lizzie Armitstead secured the Under 23 Championship and finished second in the Women’s Elite category but was refused the silver on the instructions of the Chief Commissaire on the basis that a rider could not be eligible for both categories.

As all National Championships are under control of the British Cycling Board, it over-ruled the decision after consulting the Commissaires Commission and the Road Commission ahead of the Men’s Elite race on Sunday 28 June.

It was agreed that the rule interpretation of the Chief Commissaire was not shared by the Board which confirmed that any rider in the Under 23 category capable of finishing in a medal position among elite riders is entitled to a medal in both categories.

The medals in the Men's Elite and Under 23 Championship were awarded on the correct basis. As a result, Peter Kennaugh was awarded both Bronze in the Elite category and Gold in the Under 23 category.

The only exceptions to this ruling were Ben Swift and Jonny Bellis, who, as members of UCI ProTour teams, are clearly excluded from the Under 23 category.

Brian Cookson, President of British Cycling, commented: “The decision of the Chief Commissaire caused considerable distress to the riders who competed in the race on Saturday and created confusion among spectators.

“We received a number of complaints on the day and acted swiftly to put the situation right and prevent the same mistake from happening in the Men’s race on Sunday.

“We will be reviewing our technical regulations governing national championships at the next Board Meeting with the view to publishing clearer guidelines for future races.

“On behalf of British Cycling I would like to apologise to Lizzie Armitstead and the other riders competing on the day for the distress caused by this incident.”