JESSICA Varnish has not given up hope of representing Great Britain at an Olympics and has vowed to pursue her complaint of sexist comments against British Cycling’s technical director Shane Sutton.

The Finstall rider has released a detailed statement giving her side of the story after it emerged last week her contract was not to be renewed.

The 25-year-old missed out on qualifying for the Rio Olympics despite a strong showing in the team sprint category at last month’s World Championships.

After an unsuccessful appeal against her deselection, Sutton revealed to the national press that Varnish, who is a former member of Halesowen ACC, was to be dropped.

Varnishsaid: “When Shane gave his interview to the Telegraph discussing my situation I was devastated.

"I wasn’t offered the chance to comment, I only found out about the interview once it had been published and he said in his interview that I was ’too old’ and ‘not worth wasting UK Sport’s money’.

“It was at this point that I realised my career with British Cycling, in Shane Sutton’s eyes, was over, and that I would never get a fair trial or opportunity to compete for Great Britain again while Shane is the performance director.

“This is why I decided to speak out, I obviously no longer have anything to lose and can no longer trust Shane or those in charge at British Cycling.

“The comment that Shane Sutton told me 'to go and have a baby’ is true. I stand by all my statements in the Daily Mail interview and have examples of other comments made to me during my time at British Cycling by Shane Sutton dating back many years.”

High-profile British riders such as double Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton and Nicole Cooke have came out in defence of Varnish.

In reply to Varnish’s allegations, 58-year-old Australian Sutton said: “I wholeheartedly deny that I said or did anything other than act with complete professionalism in my dealings with Jess.

“As with all other riders on the track programme, she was subject to a performance review following the worlds and the data did not justify Jess retaining a lottery-funded place on the podium programme as an athlete with medal potential in this Olympic cycle or the next.

“Jess has been a great athlete to work with and it’s important the valuable contribution she made to British Cycling and women’s cycling during her time on the Great Britain Cycling Team is not forgotten.”

Varnish added: “I want a fair chance to compete for my country. I feel that chance is being denied to me unfairly. I also want to change the culture at British Cycling and their treatment of women.

“I hope that by shining a light on this culture, and sharing my experiences, the relevant people can investigate and make changes. If they do then this can only benefit all involved, who want to work hard and compete for Great Britain, in a safe and fair environment.”