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Sir Bradley Wiggins breaks silence on ‘jiffy bag’ allegations and slams ‘malicious witch hunt against him’

Former Team Sky man reiterates innocence and voices concern at wording of UKAD statement

Sir Bradley Wiggins has broken his silence regarding the ‘jiffy bag’ allegations, following UKAD’s statement that no anti-doping charges would be brought, and slammed the ‘malicious witch hunt’ against him.

Former Team Sky man Wiggins received medical treatment after the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine, which he won, after a package – said to contain the decongestant Fluimucil – was delivered to the team bus by British Cycling.

Poor record keeping from Dr Richard Freeman, the doctor who administered the treatment, left UKAD unable to confirm or refute what the package contained however, after allegations it was in fact the controlled glucocorticoid Triamcinolone.

But in a statement issued via his Twitter page, Wiggins reiterated his innocence and voiced his concern over the wording of UKAD’s statement.

Sir Bradley Wiggins has broken his silence regarding the ‘jiffy bag’ allegations (Pic: Sirotti)

“I welcome UKAD’s confirmation that no anti-doping charges are to be brought regarding the so-called “jiffy bag” allegations,” he wrote.

“It has always been the case that no such charges could be brought against me as no anti-doping violations took place.

“I am pleased that this has finally been confirmed publicly, but there are a large number of questions regarding the investigation which I feel remain unanswered.

“Being accused of any doping indiscretion is the worst possible thing for any professional sportsperson, especially when it is without any solid factual basis and you know the allegation to be categorically untrue.

“To say I am disappointed by some made by UKAD this morning is an understatement. No evidence exists to prove a case against me and in all other circumstances this would be an unqualified finding of innocence.

“The amount of time it has taken to come to today’s conclusion has caused serious personal damage, especially as the investigation seems to be predicated on a news headline rather than real solid information.”

Regarding the media coverage of the case, he added: “I have kept my silence throughout this period to allow UKAD to conduct their investigation in the most professional way possible and so as not to undermine it.

“This is despite widespread and unfounded speculation in the press, being hounded on my door step and having commentators and professional riders wading in without knowing all the facts.

“This period of time has been a living hell for me and my family, full of innuendo and speculation. At times it has felt nothing less than a malicious witch hunt.”

Wiggins also outlined some questions of his own, including his belief that it would be in the public interest to reveal the source of the allegation and questioned why UKAD deemed it ‘appropriate to treat it as a credible allegation’.

He also asked why it took so long for the conclusions to be drawn and how much tax payer’s money has been spent on the investigation.

Wiggins also requested to know the source of the allegations against him, and queried why UKAD deemed it a viable allegation (Pic: Alex Broadway/SWpix.com)

Concluding his statement, the 2012 Tour de France winner wrote: “The medical documentation concerning my treatment was something absolutely out of my control.

“I put ultimate trust in the team around me to do their jobs in their specific field of expertise to the same standard that I would expect of myself on the bike.

“Had the infrastructure for precise record keeping been in place, this investigation would have never started.

“Much criticism has been made of Dr Freeman. I have always felt, and still feel, that he is a very good physician and treated me and others with great care and respect.

“For now, I would implore the media to give me and my family space, and respect our privacy. I plan on making no further public statement at this point as I assess which legal options to pursue.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank those who have stood by me and my family while this dark cloud has been over us.”

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