New Zealand's double Commonwealth Games mountain bike medalist, Anton Cooper has been forced out of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games after catching Covid-19.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 2014 champion and 2018 silver medalist is now isolating in a hotel.
"I'm absolutely gutted, said the 27 year old.
"After winning gold in 2014 and silver in 2018, I had put a focus on competing in Birmingham over UCI World Cup races that clash.
"I injured my wrist in a recent World Cup but was preparing well and to miss out like this is really disappointing.
"While I'm feeling a bit under the weather, my symptoms are pretty mild overall - but I just don't think it's going to be good for me to race.
"I've taken so much care not to get Covid for several months, so this is disappointing when it means missing out on representing my country.
I will be making sure I'm supporting the rest of the New Zealand Team from my isolation room.
No other team members are symptomatic and close contacts have returned multiple negative tests for Covid-19. New Zealand Team doctors support his decision to withdraw on medical grounds.
New Zealand Team Chef de Mission Nigel Avery said it was hugely disappointing for Cooper.
"We commend him for his vigilance and thank him for taking immediate steps to isolate, even before he tested positive."
Defending champion Sam Gaze and Ben Oliver, who was fourth four years ago, will represent New Zealand in the mountain bike race tonight.