British Cycling's former technical director Shane SuttonBritish Cycling's technical director Shane Sutton has resigned over allegations of discrimination, plunging the sport into crisis.
He had been suspended on Tuesday after it was claimed he called Paralympic cyclists "gimps".
This came shortly after cycling's UK governing body announced an independent review into claims of sexism made by Jess Varnish.
Mr Sutton said he had quit to give British cyclists time to prepare with a different boss, ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in the summer.
From Wednesday, there are 100 days to go before the games' opening ceremony.
He said: "It is absolutely crucial that, as our athletes begin their final preparations for Rio, they are able to do so free of distraction.
"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 sport's governing body launched an internal investigation after cyclist Jess Varnish claimed in a newspaper she was told to "go and have a baby" when her contract was not renewed.
Mr Sutton denies the allegations.
The 58-year-old had been key in the careers of umpteen cyclists, from Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins to double Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott.
He was head coach when Britain won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games and four years later in London.
British Cycling promoted the Australian-born former professional cyclist in April 2014 to replace former Performance Director Dave Brailsford, who left to focus solely on Team Sky.
British Cycling chief executive Ian Drake said: "I understand and respect Shane's decision to stand down.
"His primary focus has always been the athletes, and this decision is something he has taken to allow them to focus on their preparation for Rio."
He said programmes director Andy Harrison would be taking over immediately and would manage the team in the build up to the Rio games.
Mr Sutton said he would continue to cooperate with the review and was looking forward to responding "to the allegations in detail".
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