The 19-year-old American, who became the junior road race world champion last year, responded to a tweet about United States President Donald Trump with "bye" and a black hand-waving emoji.

"If you follow me and support Trump, you can go," Dutch cycling journalist José Been had posted.

"There is zero excuse to follow or vote for the vile, horrible man."

Simmons's response was deemed by Twitter users to be racist, with Trek-Segafredo suspending their rider shortly after.

"Trek-Segafredo is an organisation that values inclusivity and supports a more diverse and equitable sport for all athletes," a statement from the team said.

"While we support the right to free speech, we will hold people accountable for their words and actions.

"Regrettably, team rider Quinn Simmons made statements online that we feel are divisive, incendiary, and detrimental to the team, professional cycling, its fans, and the positive future we hope to help create for the sport.

"In response, he will not be racing for Trek-Segafredo until further notice.

"The team and its partners will work together to determine how we will move forward and keep fans and the public informed as to the decisions made in the matter."

Simmons has responded to the suspension, claiming that he stood "against racism in any form."

"To those who found the colour of the emoji racist, I can promise that I did not mean for it to be interpreted that way," he said.

"I would like to apologise to everyone who found this offensive as I strongly stand against racism in any form.

"To anyone who disagrees with me politically, that is fine. 

"I won't hate you for it. 

"I only ask the same."

Trek-Segafredo faced calls for a boycott earlier this year, after American law enforcement officers used police bikes made and sold by the Trek Bicycle Corporation for crowd control at Black Lives Matter demonstrations.

Simmons only joined the team this year.