Jess Varnish decides not to pursue 'pointless' appeal against Rio Olympics snub

Varnish was controversially dropped from the Olympic programme in April, shortly after she and Katy Marchant failed to qualify for this summer's Games in the women's team sprint at the World Championships in March.

In the aftermath of that disappointment, the 25-year-old from Bromsgrove was highly critical of British Cycling's selections over the two-year qualifying period, and, when her contract was not renewed a month later, she voiced further criticisms of the programme that ultimately resulted in technical director Shane Sutton's resignation.

British Cycling confirmed its 26-strong team for Rio last week, with a mountain biker still to be added, and said disappointed riders who were not receiving funding would be allowed to go through the same appeals process as funded riders.

This was clearly an olive branch to the likes of Varnish but one she has rejected.

"I've shared this procedure with a legal expert and the British Athletes Commission, and I'm sad to report that it isn't new," said Varnish.

"Nothing has changed to the other appeals procedures I've been through.

"It is heavily weighted in favour of British Cycling, puts significant financial risk on the athlete and ultimately comes down to selectors' discretion.

"It's pretty plain to see that selectors' discretion would not be in my favour and appealing would be a pointless process.

"It's sad that an organisation that once prided itself on fact and data, now picks and chooses riders on discretion - I know I'm not the only rider to feel like this."