British cyclist Varnish gives up on Rio dream

The 25-year-old was critical of the selection process and made allegations of sexism against former British Cycling technical director Shane Sutton, who denied any wrongdoing before resigning.

British cyclist Jess Varnish was given the opportunity to challenge the decision to leave her out of the squad , but she has decided it would be a pointless appeal.

British cyclist Jess Varnish has opted not to launch a "pointless" appeal against the controversial decision by her country's selectors to overlook her for the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio.

Varnish was left out of the Great Britain squad for the Games in Brazil after failing to qualify for the women's team sprint along with Katy Marchant.

The 25-year-old was critical of the selection process and made allegations of sexism against former British Cycling technical director Shane Sutton, who denied any wrongdoing before resigning.

Varnish was given hope when riders were presented with the opportunity to challenge the decision to leave them out of the squad for the Games, but she has decided that would be a waste of time.

She said in a statement: "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 pick and choose riders on discretion. I know I'm not the only rider to feel like this."

She added: "On advice from legal experts, the BAC [British Athletes Commission] , my friends and family, and with no access to a bike or track, I decided to stop training for Rio and move on with my life. I will therefore not be appealing my non-selection."