Former GB Olympic cyclist Jess Varnish has had her employment tribunal against British Cycling and UK Sport pushed back until December, Sky Sports News has learned.
Sky Sports News understands the tribunal - originally due to take place in April - will now be held at the end of the year due to the weight of evidence submitted and the fact that key witnesses are not available.
The legal action is based on claims that the sprint cyclist suffered sex discrimination, detriment for whistleblowing, victimisation and unfair dismissal.
Varnish was dropped from British Cycling's elite programme in 2016. Former GB Technical Director Shane Sutton was found to have used sexist language towards her shortly after he resigned, but eight of the nine allegations were subsequently not upheld.
A preliminary hearing due next month was expected to determine whether Varnish should be considered as having effectively been an employee of UK Sport and British Cycling when she was competing.
If it could be proved that she did have employee status, the case could have major ramifications for all contracted British athletes who are funded by UK Sport.
If they are officially deemed to be employees, UK Sport would have to pay pension and national insurance costs. This is currently avoided because athletes are not regarded as members of staff.
The tribunal will now take place between December 10 and 17 this year in Manchester.