Jess Varnish has expressed shock at the findings of a report into the culture of British Cycling that was triggered by her complaints of sexism and bullying.
The former Olympian last year accused former technical director Shane Sutton after being dropped from the organisation's world-class programme, which set in motion the investigations that have followed.
An independent report into the 'climate and culture' within the national governing body's elite set-up was published on Wednesday.
It stated that a ''culture of fear'' existed within the team, ''good governance was lacking'' at British Cycling and Sutton operated within a ''power pocket'' without real oversight.
Varnish specifically dismissed the suggestion she had been a troublemaker while on the team.
That claim featured in the report, with Varnish cited in evidence given to the panel as being "perceived as the 'ring-leader' for the criticism against WCP (world-class programme) coaching staff", and that she "was also viewed as a trouble-maker".
The 26-year-old Varnish said in an interview with the Times: "I am insulted.
"In a way I'm glad they have used this language because it shows what the people are like in there (British Cycling).
"Anyone who knows me knows I am not a troublemaker or ringleader.
"No one has ever been removed from the programme the way I was."
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