Dr Freeman set to appeal being struck off register

Former British Cycling and Team Sky chief doctor Richard Freeman has been permanently struck off the medical register

Robert Jones

Former British Cycling and Team Sky chief doctor Richard Freeman has been permanently struck off the medical register.

A Medical Practitioners Tribunal found Dr Freeman's fitness to practise impaired on Thursday and yesterday imposed the strongest possible sanction.

Dr Freeman either admitted or was found guilty on 21 of 22 charges relating to the ordering of testosterone to British Cycling HQ in 2011 as well as poor record-keeping and inappropriate treatment of non-riders.

The central charge, which Dr Freeman denied, was that he ordered the Testogel "knowing or believing" it was to be given to a rider for doping purposes.

The tribunal dismissed Dr Freeman's defence and said on Thursday: "Dr Freeman's conduct surrounding the order of the Testogel amounted to a long and considered pattern of very serious dishonesty."

The sanctions decision read: "The tribunal has determined erasure is the only sufficient sanction which would protect patients, maintain public confidence in the profession and send a clear message to Dr Freeman, the profession and the public that his misconduct constituted behaviour unbefitting that of a registered doctor."

Dr Freeman is working as a GP in Lancashire as part of the Covid-19 vaccination programme. He is likely to appeal the sanction to the High Court.