Jess Varnish intends to continue fighting to 'change the culture' of British Cycling
Jess Varnish intends to continue fighting to "change the culture" of British Cycling, even though her dream of riding for her country again seems unlikely while Shane Sutton remains in charge.
Varnish released a statement on Tuesday, reiterating allegations that technical director Sutton told her to "go and have a baby" after her contract was not renewed.
She claimed the Australian had been responsible for "other comments made to me during my time at British Cycling... dating back many years".
The 25-year-old sprinter also expressed dismay over British Cycling's handling of her departure, suggesting requests for detailed performance data were refused and that remarks by Sutton in the Daily Telegraph showed she would not be given the opportunity to return.
"I want a fair chance to compete for my country. I feel that chance is being denied to me unfairly. I also want to change the culture at British Cycling and their treatment of women," she said.
"When Shane Sutton gave his interview to the Telegraph discussing my situation I was devastated. He said in his interview that I was 'too old' and 'not worth wasting UK Sport's money'.
"It was at this point that I realised my career with British Cycling, in Shane Sutton's eyes, was over, and that I would never get a fair trial or opportunity to compete for Great Britain again while Shane is the performance director.
"This is why I decided to speak out, I obviously no longer have anything to lose and can no longer trust Shane or those in charge at British Cycling to be fair.
"The comment that Shane Sutton told me 'to go and have a baby' is true. I stand by all my statements in the Daily Mail interview and have examples of other comments made to me during my time at British Cycling by Shane Sutton dating back many years.
"At 25 years old I feel my best years are ahead of me. I also want to compete for Great Britain again. I am not too old. I am not a waste of UK Sport's money. I can win more medals."
Sutton insists the decision over Varnish's future was made purely on performance grounds and that he has acted with "complete professionalism" in all dealings with her.
But Varnish claims she has heard from others, who have voiced their own concerns over treatment.
"I have been contacted by other riders both present and past, to say that they have experienced similar behaviour at British Cycling," she said.
"I am not alone in my experience and I'm glad that a few feel more confident to speak up as a result of my interview.
"I hope that by shining a light on this culture, and sharing my experiences, the relevant people can investigate and make changes.
"For now I remain open to sharing my experiences with both British Cycling and/or UK Sport, and will happily engage with any investigations into the comments that Shane Sutton has made to me, and other riders. I would prefer to do this privately, however to date this hasn't been an option."
Victoria Pendleton, Varnish's former sprint partner, had earlier voiced her support in a Daily Telegraph article.
"I have never spoken out before but I have to do it now," wrote the two-time Olympic champion.
"I would not be able to live with myself if I sat back and let people try to discredit (Varnish's) character. Not when I wholeheartedly believe her.
"My experiences were very similar. And I know exactly how miserable they made me.
"I never really felt I had the same respect as my male team-mates. My opinion wasn't worth as much."
A response from British Cycling spokesman said: "A gold medal is valued by us, no matter who wins it, and we are equally proud of all our Olympic and world champions.
"The medals won by the Great Britain Cycling Team are testament firstly to the dedication and talent of our riders but each of them are also a tribute to a significant investment in passion, commitment and resources by our performance staff."