British Cycling has announced it will launch an "action plan" after a confidential survey reportedly found some responses describing its World Class Programme as "toxic". The survey, funded by UK Sport and carried out by an independent company, also indicated a drop in morale among riders and performance staff, according to reports.
A British Cycling spokesperson stated that while the majority of team members expressed satisfaction with their jobs and overall favourability increased, the organisation is committed to addressing areas needing improvement. The action plan, developed by the GB Cycling Team, focuses on leadership, development, feedback, and wellbeing, and is being implemented alongside wider work across British Cycling.
UK Sport has acknowledged the survey findings and supports British Cycling's action plan. A spokesperson for UK Sport emphasised the importance of a safe, healthy, and high-performing culture in sports, where athlete voice is included in decision-making.
The reports about the survey follow Matt Richardson's withdrawal from the Great Britain squad for the World Track Cycling Championships amid reports of a misconduct investigation. Richardson has pledged to cooperate with British Cycling's investigation.