Wolverhampton's ‘nearly man’ Andy Tennant backs sexism row cycling chief

Tennant, from Wolverhampton, came within touching distance of glory at each of the last two Olympics, making the team pursuit squad at London 2012 but failing to earn a ride and then being named as first standby for Rio four years later.

On each occasion the team roared to gold in the velodrome but while he admits to disappointment, the 30-year-old has no interest in fanning the flames which at times have threatened to engulf the governing body.

UK Sport’s independent review into claims of sexism, discrimination and bullying remains unpublished and overdue but when it does land, Tennant’s views will not be included.

He was not interviewed by the panel, and did not approach it, but his experiences make his voice a valid one in an increasingly divisive conversation.

“The programme is about Olympic success, that’s what it’s for. I’ve had two disappointments, so I’m the full nearly man,” he said ahead of next week’s World Track Championships in Hong Kong, where he will ride team and individual pursuit,” he said.

“But at the end of the day I’ve signed up for elite sport which we all know is a s*** place to be at times. Life’s not fair, is it? Life’s s***. We’re here to perform and win medals we’re not here to be everyone’s friend, have a cosy coffee morning and sort each others problems out.

“It’s great being all cuddly and care bears and that sort of stuff. I could make a song and a dance about it but there’s no point really.

“Four riders who broke the world record rode ahead of me. That’s gotta be remembered by myself and everyone else. It’s easier to take when you see your mates winning as well.”

But he also offered an unprompted message of support for Sutton, the controversial Australian who was found guilty by British Cycling on one of nine discrimination allegations by Halesowen’s Jess Varnish.

Tennant said: “I’d have felt guilty if I’d taken the support staff and coaches’ time up and that had detracted from their performance. They shouldn’t be wasting their time on us when they’ve got four other guys who’ve got to go and win a medal.

“I didn’t really look to British Cycling for support but when there has been difficult times... most people are slagging him off but Shane Sutton is a good example.

“Before the worlds last year I was struggling. I texted him saying ‘can we meet for coffee’. No problem, he always said his door was open.

“When I asked for support it was there...I’ve just gone to the big boss, not my coach, I’ve skipped four steps and gone right to the top and chatted about one and a half hours.

“I won silver and bronze and a lot of that was due to being able to talk to him.”