LONDON, April 27 (Reuters) - British Cycling's suspended technical director Shane Sutton has resigned following allegations of discrimination by rider Jess Varnish, British Cycling said on Wednesday.
"The developments over the past few days have clearly become a distraction. It is for this reason, and having spoken to friends and family, that I believe it is in the best interests of British Cycling for me to step down from my position as technical director," the Australian said in a statement.
Sutton was suspended on Tuesday pending an internal investigation into allegations by Varnish, a former European champion in the team sprint who was dropped from the British Cycling performance squad after failing to qualify for the Olympics.
Varnish, who blamed mistakes by British Cycling's coaches for her failure to secure a place in the Rio Games at this year's world championships, accused Sutton of making sexist remarks, which the Australian has denied. (Editing by Ken Ferris)