New Zealand athlete pulls out of Commonwealth Games

Cyclist Greg Henderson became the first New Zealand athlete to withdraw from the Delhi Commonwealth Games on Friday over concerns about his health and security. The 33-year-old Henderson, who rides for Britain’s Team Sky, had been selected for the road race team for the Oct. 3-14 multi-sport event, but told Reuters the potential cost of competing was too high.

“It’s about my family, it’s not just about Greg Henderson any more, I’ve got to think about my wife (former Australian cyclist Katie Mactier) and little girl Charlie and they don’t want me going to the Commonwealth Games,” Henderson said in a telephone interview from Melbourne.
“There are just too many risks and in this situation the cons outweigh the pros.”
Henderson arrived back in Melbourne on Friday after finishing third on the Tour of Britain and a delayed flight from Europe had given him the chance to discuss the Delhi games with Mactier.
“We had some time to sit down and talk about the Commonwealth Games because the next focus was the world championships (in Melbourne next week) and the Commonwealth Games,” Henderson added. “And we said ‘hang on, let’s be realistic. What will the Commonwealth Games do for me? Is it worth it?’
“I’ve won the gold and got four medals to my name.
“For me at this stage of my career it’s a better decision to stay at home and give these ones a miss.”
Photographs of the state of the athletes’ village, which had prompted the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) to tell their athletes to delay their arrivals in Delhi, had also helped his decision, he said.
“I have seen those (photos), and heard a few stories. It was a combination of those photos and sitting down with Katie that really made my final decision,” he added. Henderson won gold in the points race at the Manchester Games in 2002, as well as a bronze in the 4000 metres team pursuit. He also won bronze medals in the points race and team pursuit at Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
He would now concentrate on the road race at the world cycling championships in Melbourne, but was waiting for his bikes and baggage to arrive after all were misplaced by the airline.
“I’ve just got my carry on. No bikes, no bags, nothing.
“But after the world championships I’m going to have a couple of weeks off the bike then my first race back will be the New Zealand road championships and the Tour Down Under (in January).
“(Then) London in 2012 is definitely a big goal of mine.”