Friday 29 April 2016 11:45, UK
British Cycling's technical director, Shane Sutton, has been suspended following accusations that he made discriminatory remarks toward riders.
The organisation had already announced an independent review after Jess Varnish claimed that Sutton had told her to "go and have a baby" in the wake of being dropped from the Great Britain cycling team.
But British Cycling has now taken further action after the emergence of additional claims that Sutton made derogatory remarks about para-cyclists. He denies the allegations.
A statement from British Cycling read: "Following the announcement of an independent review into British Cycling's performance programmes, we are also announcing technical director Shane Sutton has been suspended pending an internal investigation into the allegations of discrimination that have been reported in the press."
Speaking before his suspension was announced, Sutton denied making the comments about Varnish.
He told The Times: "Actually I'm embracing the opportunity to sit in front of the panel and give my view because I don't think I've been heard properly from Day 1 of this. I've had great support from everybody here, but at the end of the day it's an allegation."
Sutton took charge of British Cycling in April 2014 after Sir Dave Brailsford stood down to concentrate on his work with Team Sky.
Laura Trott, who is the most high-profile member of the Great Britain team, voiced her support for Sutton on Wednesday morning.
She said: "Personally, I have only ever had a wholly positive and healthy working relationship with Shane Sutton and I am very grateful to him and the British Cycling team for all the support and coaching they have given me over the years to get where I am today.
"I cannot comment on the allegations being made as I don't know all the facts, so I feel it would be inappropriate for me to cast judgement either way."
