Cycling quartet pull out of Games

Geraint Thomas, Peter Kennaugh, Ian Stannard and Ben Swift have all withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games with health concerns.

Wales' Thomas, Isle of Man's Kennaugh and English duo Stannard and Swift all ride for Team Sky, but it was stressed the decisions were made by the individual riders. Thomas and Kennaugh expressed fears over the mosquito borne illness Dengue fever.

"It was entirely the athletes' decision," a British Cycling spokesperson said.

British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford, in his role as team principal of Team Sky, stressed the decision to withdraw was made by the individuals concerned.

"These situations are down to the choice of the athletes themselves," Brailsford said on www.teamsky.com.

"We at Team Sky can make recommendations to the athletes but the ultimate decision lies with them.

"Given the situation they have found themselves in with the Commonwealth Games, nobody would blame the athletes for staying away, but there is no instruction from Team Sky on this issue.

"We at Team Sky will support them in whatever decision they make."