Cyclists harmonious, says Fredericks
Cycling Australia boss Graham Fredericks insists all is well at the team's pre-Olympics camp in Germany after flying in on what was supposedly a mission to restore harmony.
Fredericks admitted he was unsure what sort of atmosphere he would walk into when he arrived in Buettgen following reports of tension and conflict within the camp after Ben Kersten's late arrival.
Kersten's manager Phill Bates claimed the Wollongong rider was not speaking to the other sprinters, who had frozen him out following his late call up to replace the disgraced Jobie Dajka and his court challenge for Sean Eadie's place in the team.
But Fredericks was adamant the track team was cohesive and working well together.
"I haven't found anything to suggest those reports were close to the mark," Fredericks said.
"When Ben first got here, he shut himself away to get over the travel and that may have been interpreted the wrong way.
"I've not seen anything to suggest Ben is anything but part of the team."
Fredericks said he had discussed the issue with Kersten but would not reveal what was said.
Nor would he be drawn on the relationship between Kersten and Eadie, but hinted that there were cliques within the 13 riders at the camp.
"Ben's doing his very best to focus. He's mixing well, but in any group of people, different people mix with different people," he said.
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