Varnish made the claims after being dropped from the performance programme following a review, which took place after she had criticised the selection of coaches.

This came after she missed out on a team sprint berth at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August.

A British Cycling investigation concluded in October that Sutton had used "inappropriate and discriminatory language".

A leaked letter, published by the BBC, has now shown that Sutton was found to have used the word "bitches" to Varnish, but that the remaining eight claims were dismissed.

This included the key allegations that Sutton had told her she was "too old" and that she should "go and have a baby".

"I am shocked and upset by this latest news, and have instructed my solicitor to appeal the findings of the internal investigation on my behalf," Varnish told the BBC.

"Having provided substantial evidence to back up my complaints, to now learn that the majority were not upheld is heartbreaking.

"I know what was said, and I know I've told the truth.

"I have requested from British Cycling the full investigation report to understand why the weight of evidence provided by me and others wasn't sufficient for the board to uphold my complaints."

Sutton resigned from his role as British Cycling technical director in April following the allegations of bullying and sexism, but denies the claims.

The Australian had hoped to return to the post he had held since 2014, having been a key member of the British Cycling coaching staff since 2002, but the report effectively ended this prospect.

While still vowing to fight the verdict, Sutton admitted he would begin to consider other offers from around the world.

He is now reportedly being considered for Cycling Australia’s high performance director post.

An independent review into the culture of Britain's World Class Programme, jointly commissioned by British Cycling and UK Sport remains ongoing.

Led by Annamarie Phelps, the chairman of British Rowing, the review was launched in April to look at any lessons the National Federation could learn.

It must investigate claims of all forms of discrimination and bullying and is aimed at uncovering whether there are "fundamental behavioural issues within the climate and culture of British Cycling's World Class Programme".

Recommendations on how issues should be addressed will be made if any 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.