A “medal at any cost” approach created a “culture of fear” at British Cycling, says former rider Wendy Houvenaghel.
The Olympic silver medallist accused the organisation of “ageism” and having “zero regard” for her welfare.
She is the latest high-profile cyclist to come forward after Jess Varnish, Nicole Cooke and Emma Pooley criticised the World Class programme.
Houvenaghel told the BBC she felt “vindicated” by a leaked draft report detailing British Cycling’s failures.
The report said British Cycling “sanitised” its own investigation into claims former technical director Shane Sutton used sexist language towards Varnish, who went public last April about her treatment.
British Cycling subsequently admitted it did not pay “sufficient care and attention” to the wellbeing of staff and athletes at the expense of winning medals, an approach Houvenaghel attested to in her BBC interview.
Both Sutton and predecessor Sir Dave Brailsford have now left British Cycling.
Houvenaghel, 42, spoke to BBC Sport during its State of Sport week, which on Thursday examines the issue of athlete welfare versus a win-at-all-costs culture.
A government-commissioned review, headed by 11-time Paralympic champion Baroness Grey-Thompson, into safety and wellbeing in British sport, is due to be published imminently.
It is expected to recommend significant reforms designed to improve the way athletes are treated by governing bodies.
Houvenaghel claimed:
*She felt “oppressed” by both Sutton and Brailsford, describing the training environment as “horrid”.
*Sexism and “ageism” were prevalent at British Cycling.
*She put up with the situation because “if you rocked the boat, you were out”.
*She was “discarded” by British Cycling after London 2012 despite six years of “constantly” winning medals at major championships.
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