British Cycling was in crisis with 100 days to go to the Rio Olympics on Wednesday as technical director Shane Sutton was suspended ahead of an independent review into allegations of discrimination.
The governing body announced the review on Tuesday evening after claims of sexism by Jess Varnish, who alleges she was told to "go and have a baby" after her contract was not renewed.
That was followed by a report in the Daily Mail accusing the Australian of calling Paralympic cyclists derogatory names and Sutton was later suspended.
It is understood that Sutton refutes the allegations and is not considering his position.
But, with 100 days to go until August's Olympics in Rio, one of Britain's most successful Olympic sports is in turmoil.
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."
Sutton said he would welcome the opportunity to address the claims in an interview with The Times on Wednesday. When asked by the Times if he had told Varnish to "go and have a baby" after she was dropped from the British team, the 58-year-old said: "One hundred per cent no. There was never any talk of babies. I don't know where that's come from.
"Jess is a wonderful girl, a beautiful person, I couldn't ask for any more from her on the programme. Unfortunately everything comes to an end and unfortunately her time on the programme is done."
On the panel, Sutton added: "I'm embracing the opportunity to actually sit in front of the panel and give my view because I don't think I've been heard properly from day one. I've had great support from from everybody here but at the end of the day it's an allegation."
The Times interview took place before further allegations from 10-time Paralympic medal winner Darren Kenny, who was quoted in the Mail as saying: "The attitude towards (members of the disability team) was abysmal. We were tolerated at best. The term used to refer to us was generally "gimps", with another word in front of that."
British Cycling announced the review would take place ahead of announcing Sutton's suspension.
A statement read: "British Cycling is announcing the formation of an independent review, in conjunction with UK Sport, of the federation's performance programmes following allegations of discriminatory behaviour. We are fully committed to the principles and active promotion of equality of opportunity and we must take any such allegations seriously."
Sutton succeeded Sir Dave Brailsford as British Cycling chief in 2014.
Sutton, as head coach, was then performance director Brailsford's key lieutenant in the British team which won eight gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
Sutton is a blunt character, but there are many riders who will have had only positive experiences of his coaching and who enjoyed good working relationships.
Cyclists Lizzie Armitstead, Becky James and Laura Trott were launching the Team GB Olympic kit in London on Wednesday.
The trio had been slated to give media interviews afterwards, but access was withdrawn.
Iain Dyer was promoted to head coach after Sutton's elevation to technical director. With Sutton suspended Dyer is now likely to be in control in the intervening period.
Trott, Geraint Thomas and fellow Team Sky rider Ben Swift offered support to Sutton as a coach. Trott insisted she had only positive experiences of working with Sutton.
Trott, who won two Olympic golds at London 2012, said in a statement: "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 me to where I am today.
"I cannot comment on the allegations being made as I don't know all the facts so feel it would be inappropriate for me to cast judgement either way."
The British Paralympic Association welcomed the independent review.
A BPA statement read: "We are aware of media reports regarding alleged inappropriate language used by an individual in a sport.
"Derogatory language used in any context by anyone is not acceptable. We have worked hard over many years alongside sports organisations to educate within the sports community as well as the British public about Paralympic sport and best practice within it.
"The success of ParalympicsGB at London 2012 and the public enthusiasm for the sport have brought on a new era in which inappropriate language and behaviour are not tolerated.
"We welcome British Cycling's investigation into the matter and that they are taking the issue seriously."
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