Cyclist’s dream of medal wrecked by error
AN UP-AND-COMING Yorkshire cyclist saw her dreams of challenging for a Commonwealth medal ruined by an administrative error on the Gold Coast yesterday.
Melissa Lowther, 21, from Wakefield, was forced to sit out the Commonwealth Games women’s time-trial after Team England failed to enter her name on the start list.
It was a harsh turn of events for the young Yorkshire rider who had built her season around her bid to win gold.
Rather than watch the race on beach front, the reigning U23 British road race champion chose to go out on a long training ride to gather her thoughts ahead of Saturday’s road race, for which she has been entered.
“I can’t put into words how disappointed I am to have been missed off the start list due to an admin error,” she said.
“It was one of my targets this season to make selection for the time trial event and I was so proud that my hard work in training has paid off.
“While Team England have apologised, I’m still gutted not to have the opportunity to represent my country after all the hard miles I’ve put in. “Hearing the news was really difficult and I’d like to thank my family, friends and British Cycling for their support.
“My plan now is to try and put this out of my mind while I focus on preparing for the road race.”
Team England’s Chef de Mission Sarah Winckless apologised to Lowther for the mistake. “We appealed to the Commonwealth Games Federation to allow Melissa into the race but it was not possible at such short notice. Team England will be conducting a review into how this happened.”