BBC Breakfast Louise Minchin spots story branding her triathlon cheat

This is the awkward moment BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin reviewed this morning’s papers and spotted a front page story branding her a triathlon cheat.

The presenter and Team GB triathlete, 49, was accused by a fellow competitor at the race through Snowdonia National Park of receiving an unfair advantage from another rider during the bike leg of the race.

Louise was left looking distinctly uncomfortable after the story appeared on the front page of a newspaper today, prompting her to quip ‘I’m on the front page with Meghan!

This is the awkward moment BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin reviewed this morning’s papers and spotted herself on the front page after being accused of cheating

The competitor accused Louise of riding in the slipstream of another Team GB rider during parts of the notoriously hilly course over the weekend, which saves energy and cuts wind resistance.

The front page story led to Louise being forced to explain to the BBC Breakfast audience what had happened. She said:’I share a front page actually with Meghan there, [there’s] a story about me in The Sun about an incident at a race on Sunday.’

She revealed that she has since spoken with officials, who told her no further action will be taken.

Louise added: ‘I was talked to about [sic] with British Triathlon who say I have no case to answer – but I’m on the front page with Meghan.’   

BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin has apologised after being accused of cheating during a gruelling triathlon through Snowdonia National Park

BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin has apologised after being accused of cheating during a gruelling triathlon through Snowdonia National Park

It is claimed that Louise rode into the slipstream of another Team GB rider Sam Gardiner (right) during parts of the notoriously hilly course, which saves energy and cuts wind resistance

It is claimed that Louise rode into the slipstream of another Team GB rider Sam Gardiner (right) during parts of the notoriously hilly course, which saves energy and cuts wind resistance

The 35-year-old who accused the presenter of telling a lie told The Sun: ‘She cheated. It’s a hard race. During the cycling I feel like I’m dying. Louise is making out she’s done this super-duper thing and it makes me mad.

‘She’s lied to people a little bit.’ 

The woman explained she saw Sam­antha Gardiner, a fellow triathlete, riding close to Louise for five to six miles and told them: ‘You can’t do that!’

Afterwards she said she saw Louise being interviewed and spoke to event organisers to complain – only to discover others had already beat her to it.  

The presenter and Team GB triathlete, 49, outraged a fellow competitor who said she received an unfair advantage by 'drafting'

The presenter and Team GB triathlete, 49, outraged a fellow competitor who said she received an unfair advantage by ‘drafting’

Louise is said to have replied: ‘I didn’t really [cheat] because I didn’t know she was going to be there. I know I had a draft, and I know how it looks but I didn’t cheat as it’s not like I cheated to win.’

The television presenter, who used the race as an opportunity to plug her book about life as a triathlete, denied cheating but reportedly called the other woman up to apologise following the claims.

It is understood that Louise, who had already completed the 1,000m open-water swim was on her bike leg when another rider appeared ‘from nowhere’ and pedalled just in front of her save her riding into a headwind.

It is understood that Louise, who had already completed the 1,000m open-water swim was on her bike leg when another rider appeared 'from nowhere' and pedalled just in front of her save her riding into a headwind

It is understood that Louise, who had already completed the 1,000m open-water swim was on her bike leg when another rider appeared ‘from nowhere’ and pedalled just in front of her save her riding into a headwind

One enraged triathlete hit out at Louise for receiving the help and told her: 'You cheated!'

One enraged triathlete hit out at Louise for receiving the help and told her: ‘You cheated!’

The tactic, called ‘drafting’, is said to have handed her an advantage in the race. 

At the competitive end of the race, where professional and semi-professional triathletes compete for podium places, the race employs a ‘no drafting’ rule. 

However for riders in open categories, ‘drafting’ is common place and seen as a tactic to preserve energy for the running leg. 

Louise has been contacted for comment by MailOnline today. 

It is claimed that Louise rode into the slipstream of another Team GB rider during parts of the notoriously hilly course, which saves energy and cuts wind resistance.

It is claimed that Louise rode into the slipstream of another Team GB rider during parts of the notoriously hilly course, which saves energy and cuts wind resistance.

The presenter documented the ride on social media and regularly posted pictures to Instagram

The presenter documented the ride on social media and regularly posted pictures to Instagram



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk