The sprinter had claimed earlier this year that Sutton had told her she was "too old" and that she should "go and have a baby" when telling the 25-year-old that her contract was not to be renewed.

Varnish claimed to have been dropped from the performance programme after a performance review, which took place after she had criticised coaches’ selections having missed out on a team sprint berth at this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Following a further allegation by six-time Paralympic champion Darren Kenny that he had made derogatory remarks Sutton resigned from the post he had held since 2014.

Sutton, who denied all allegations, had expressed his hope that he would be exonerated by a review and could make a return to British Cycling.

The British Cycling Board, however, have upheld the complaint made against the Australian.

"Following an internal investigation, the British Cycling board has upheld an allegation made by Jess Varnish that former technical director Shane Sutton had used inappropriate and discriminatory language," a British Cycling statement read.

"The Board wishes to put on record its sincere regret that this happened.

"The findings of the investigation will help the development of the organisation alongside the independent review into the culture of the World Class Programme, jointly commissioned by British Cycling and UK Sport, and led by Annamarie Phelps.

"The full text of the Board’s report has been made available to the independent review.

"No further comment will be made until that review has reported its findings."

The jointly commissioned review was launched in April to look to include any lessons that the National Federation could learn and must investigate claims of all forms of discrimination and bullying.

Led by Phelps, the chairman of British Rowing, the review is aimed at uncovering whether there are "fundamental behavioural issues within the climate and culture of British Cycling's World Class Programme" and make recommendations on how they should be addressed, if issues are discovered.

Former England men’s rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster, London 2012 hockey bronze medallist Annie Panter and barrister John Mehrzad are also on the panel.

Their work began ahead of Rio 2016 but has continued afterwards in an attempt to allow athletes to play a full role in the review, while not affecting their preparations for the Olympics and Paralympics. 

Britain enjoyed another highly successful Olympic Games in cycling, despite the departure of Sutton, as they topped the sport’s medals table by winning six gold, four silver and two bronze.