The 21-year-old had been criticised by Cycling Australia and retracted her words while defending the point she was making – that the UCI does not adequately support women riders.

In a statement Hosking said: "I have to apologise for how I phrased my comments, I wasn't that eloquent."

She had called McQuaid "a dick" because of his comments last year that women professionals did not merit a minimum salary.

More than 50 per cent of female professionals are not paid by their teams.

"Women's cycling every year is getting stronger and stronger," said Hosking after winning round one of the Bay Classic Criterium Series in Geelong.

"It needs to get more recognition and I'm not going to apologise for what I said, but I do apologise for how I said it."

Cycling Australia has said that it would "be seeking an explanation from Chloe before making any decision regarding disciplinary action".

A spokesman said: "All our members have the right to express views contrary to those of the UCI, but it is not acceptable for any member of Cycling Australia to personally denigrate others.

"Name-calling does nothing to enhance the reputation of professional women's cycling.

"Under the Cycling Australia code of conduct and UCI regulations, Chloe is afforded the right to be treated with respect by her fellow riders, administrators and officials of the sport.

"Therefore she should afford the same rights to them."

McQuaid has said he does not wish to respond to the criticism and there has been no official statement from the UCI.

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