A cycling club made up of adult entertainment stars who raise money for charity has had its British Cycling affiliation revoked.
The cycling governing body decided to take the action against the PPCC club after being "made aware" that the initials stood for the Porn Pedallers Cycling Club.
The club, which is sponsored by Television X, was told that affiliated sponsors must not "damage the image of the organisation".
Fans expressed support for the London-based group, saying the decision was "total discrimination" and "absolutely disgraceful".
The PPCC raises funds for HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust.
In a statement posted to its Twitter page, the PPCC said: "Cycling is for everyone. Except people like us."
It added: "We're just a cycling club, riding for fun & raising money for @THTorguk. Is this justified?"
BREAKING NEWS: Cycling is for everyone. Except people like us @pornpedallers. Today @BritishCycling revoked our club affiliation because PPCC breaches @UCI_cycling regulation 1.1.089. We're just a cycling club, riding for fun & raising money for @THTorguk. Is this justified?👍👎 pic.twitter.com/dBAqWpOFFx
— Porn Pedallers (@pornpedallers) March 5, 2019
Members of the club argued they were trying to help people through their fundraising and were doing legal work.
In its decision notice, British Cycling said: "We have been made aware the club name stands for Porn Pedallers Cycling Club.
"As such, we would be unable to accept your affiliation at this time."
Affiliation with British Cycling offers clubs a range of benefits including public liability insurance, entry into national and regional rankings and advertising for the club.
World governing body Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) rules state that: "Without prejudice of the applicable law, no brand of tobacco, spirits, pornographic bis products or any other products that might damage the image of the UCI or the sport of cycling in general shall be associated directly or indirectly with a licence-holder, a UCI team or a national or international cycling competition."
