Sutton resigned as technical director of British Cycling last week amid claims of sexism and discrimination towards elite cyclists.

Moree-born Sutton has denied the allegations and said he stepped down in the best interests of the team, who are deep into preparations for the looming Rio Olympics.

As a cyclist he won a Commonwealth gold medal in 1978 and competed in the Tour de France.

Sutton took on a role with British Cycling 14-years-ago and went on to help his team to unprecedented success.

Englishman, Bradley Wiggins, credited Sutton with helping him achieve Olympic titles and his Tour de France victory.

“The only person who understands me inside and out is Shane,” Wiggins wrote in his autobiography.

Despite Wiggins’ high praise, Sutton was never far from controversy.

British Cycling team sprinter Jess Varnish spoke out last week, claiming that Sutton was sexist and had created a “culture of fear”.

After a number of Paralympic cyclists came forward a few days later to say that Sutton had called them “wobblies” and “gimps”, he was left with little choice but to stand aside.

In a statement issued by the governing body, Sutton said his departure was in the best interests of British Cycling.

“The developments over the past few days have clearly become a distraction,” he said.

“I have made clear that I reject the specific claims that have been made against me in recent days, and I look forward to taking a full part in the review process so I can respond to the allegations in detail.”