Kennaugh signed his first professional contract in September

New British scratch race champion Peter Kennaugh will not ride for the Isle of Man in the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

Kennaugh, 21, was set to represent the Isle of Man, alongside Mark Cavendish, in the scratch race in the Delhi Games.

Team Isle of Man cycling manager Gary Hines was informed of Kennaugh's decision amid concerns over accommodation standards in Delhi.

"Peter feels like he's let people down but he can't take any health risks as he has a busy time ahead," Hines said.

"Peter is really disappointed, he was so proud to be representing the Isle of Man in Delhi."

Team Sky can make recommendations to the athletes but the ultimate decision lies with them Team Sky principal David Brailsford

The Onchan rider became the British scratch race champion on Wednesday after victory at the National Track Championships in Manchester.

Kennaugh, who signed his first professional contract with Team Sky in September, was set to compete in both the points and scratch races and one of the Island's strongest hopes at the Games.

Team Sky principal David Brailsford said: "These situations are down to the choice of the athletes themselves. 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."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version