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.
Press Association Sport understands 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.
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Source: PA-WIRE