Dr. Richard Freeman is alleged to have ordered testosterone patches to be delivered to the National Cycling Centre in Manchester whilst working for British Cycling and Team Sky. The Daily Mail reports that it has evidence that Dr. Freeman ordered the patches, then asked the supplier to send an email saying that the patches had been sent in error.

In March last year, The Sunday Times reported that UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) investigators had taken a delivery of testosterone patches. Dr. Steve Peters, formerly Head of Medicine at British Cycling and Team Sky’s psychiatrist, told the newspaper that the patches had been sent in error and had been returned. The newspaper reported that Dr. Freeman had told UKAD investigators that the patches were not for use by riders.

UKAD closed its investigation into Dr. Freeman regarding a separate issue – the package delivered to Sir Bradley Wiggins – in November last year. As it does not comment on investigations unless there is a case to answer, it has never confirmed the above.

Even if Dr. Freeman did order testosterone patches to be delivered to the Manchester Velodrome, it is possible that they were not destined to be used by riders. As such, a potential PR disaster may have been realised and a request may have been sent asking the supplier to say that they had been sent in error.

The General Medical Council (GMC) is still investigating whether Dr. Freeman failed to keep adequate medical records whilst working for British Cycling and Team Sky. “We are not able to comment on an ongoing investigation”, said a spokesperson. “UKAD have made us aware of concerns and we are looking into these. However, we are not able to comment further on this matter.”

British Cycling offered similar comment. “The General Medical Council are investigating matters referred to them by both UK Anti-Doping and British Cycling”, said a spokesperson. “We continue to support these investigations and have responded to requests for information. While the GMC is looking into these concerns it would not be appropriate for us to comment on any aspect of its investigation in order to avoid compromising efforts.”

Testosterone is a naturally occurring (endogenous) hormone in both males and females and as such, it is not prohibited in male sport. However, testosterone is an androgenic hormone that can aid the building of muscle and bone mass, which means that it is used an an ingredient in many anabolic androgenic steroids. The administration of extra testosterone which is not produced by an athlete’s natural physiology (exogenous) is prohibited in sport, and testosterone patches and gels are understood to fall into that category.