Jess Varnish shocked by findings of report into culture of British Cycling

The former Olympian last year accused former technical director Shane Sutton after being dropped from the organisation's world-class programme, which set in motion the investigations that have followed.

An independent report into the 'climate and culture' within the national governing body's elite set-up was published on Wednesday.

It stated that a ''culture of fear'' existed within the team, ''good governance was lacking'' at British Cycling and Sutton operated within a ''power pocket'' without real oversight.

Varnish specifically dismissed the suggestion she had been a troublemaker while on the team.

That claim featured in the report, with Varnish cited in evidence given to the panel as being "perceived as the 'ring-leader' for the criticism against WCP (world-class programme) coaching staff", and that she "was also viewed as a trouble-maker".

The 26-year-old Varnish said in an interview with the Times: "I am insulted. In a way I'm glad they have used this language because it shows what the people are like in there [British Cycling].

"Anyone who knows me knows I am not a troublemaker or ringleader. No one has ever been removed from the programme the way I was."