Team GB cycling kit probe launched after items sold on Ebay

British Cycling has been plunged into further embarrassment after UK Sport requested an investigation into allegations training equipment, including road bikes worth £10,000 and state-of-the-art kit, is being sold online for a profit. A screenshot sent to the body which funds Olympic and Paralympic sport has sparked the allegations which are the latest in the catalogue of controversial episodes to engulf the governing body.

The sport has received £30.5m from UK Sport to invest in the lead up to Rio 2016, after Team GB won 34 Olympic and Paralympic medals at London 2012. A third of the money distributed by the body comes from the taxpayer, while the remaining investment originates from the National Lottery.

"We have asked British Cycling to investigate as a matter of urgency because it is vital we protect our investment," a spokesman said. The incident is the latest scandal to hit British Cycling less than 100 days to the start of the Rio Olympics on 5 August.

On Wednesday (27 April), Shane Sutton stood down as technical director of the sport after being suspended ahead of an investigation into allegations of discrimination. Cyclist Jess Varnish claimed she had been told to "get on with having a baby" while there were also claims he had insulted Paralympic competitors during a reign described as a "toxic culture of fear".