JESSICA Varnish has said she will not appeal British Cycling’s decision not to call her up for the Rio 2016 Olympic squad.

The Finstall flyer had looked into fighting the decision after the team was revealed last Friday.

But looking into the appeal process, Varnish decided to pull out.

In a statement she said: “I was shocked to hear about British Cycling's appeals procedure for non-programme riders, announced last Friday.

“The first I heard about it was on Twitter. I was emailed the following Tuesday by Andy Harrison from British Cycling to be informed of my non-selection for the Rio Olympics, which since the team had been announced the previous Friday, didn’t surprise me.

“No reason for my non-selection was given. He did provide me with the appeals procedure and 48 hours in which to reply. I’ve shared this procedure with a legal expert and the British Athletes Commission, and I’m sad to report that it isn’t new.

“Nothing has changed to the other appeals procedures I’ve been through. It is heavily weighted in favour of British Cycling, puts significant financial risk on the athlete, and ultimately comes down to selectors’ discretion.

“As a result of this meeting, and on advice from legal experts, the BAC, my friends and family, and with no access to a bike or track, I decided to stop training for Rio and move on with my life. I will therefore not be appealing my non-selection.”

While Varnish has given up on competing in Brazil, she is determined to race for Great Britain again but is to focus on her pursuit of a career as a personal trainer.

The rider caused controversy in April when she accused British Cycling perfomance director Shane Sutton of making sexist comments. Sutton has since stepped down from the role and strongly denied saying anthing of the kind.

She added: “I’m feeling really excited about my future. I’m proud to say that I’ve completed my personal training exams, am completing my pilates instructor exams, and am hoping to study Sports Nutrition at Manchester Metropolitan University.

“I’ve also received exciting offers from the Cycling World, including professional cycling teams, and am certainly not giving up on my dream of continuing to compete as a professional athlete.

“I will compete for Great Britain again, I’m not too old, I have the desire to win and I’ll be back. In the meantime, I wish all those travelling to Rio to represent Team GB the best of luck; embrace the opportunity, the Olympic Games is a very special experience.”