NZ cyclist to pull out of Commonwealth Games

Cyclist Greg Henderson has become the first New Zealander to pull out of the Commonwealth Games. New Zealand, Scotland and Canada have delayed their teams' arrivals in India due to the poor condition of the athletes' accommodation, concerns about infrastructure and security, and an outbreak of dengue fever in Delhi. Henderson, 33, advised a BikeNZ official in Melbourne that he was withdrawing, citing personal and family reasons. He had been selected to compete in the road race. BikeNZ chief executive Kieran Turner said on Friday the organization supports the individual decision of athletes, but is confident that the New Zealand Olympic Committee will make the best decision for the team's involvement at the Delhi Games. The New Zealand Olympic Committee will make a statement on Friday evening regarding New Zealand's involvement in the Delhi Commonwealth Games. NZOC president Mike Stanley and secretary-general Barry Maister arrived back in New Zealand on Friday morning after visiting the Games complex in Delhi. They will brief the NZOC board in the afternoon in Auckland, as will chef de mission Dave Currie via a teleconference from Delhi. The committee will make a public statement following the board meeting. The Games are due to begin on Oct. 3.

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