World champ Thomas to stay away

Welsh world and Olympic champion Geraint Thomas, Isle of Man rider Peter Kennaugh and English pair Ben Swift and Ian Stannard, said they were opting out of the Games as they feared for their health after reading reports about the dengue outbreak and the “filthy” conditions at the Commonwealth Games Village.

Former world champion road cyclist Greg Henderson also decided to pull out and became the first selected New Zealand athlete to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games, saying there are “too many risks” in going to Delhi for the troubled event.

“There are just too many risks and in this situation the cons outweigh the pros. Who knows exactly what’s gone on there,” said Henderson.

“It’s a massive disappointment first and foremost but with the hygiene and the risk of getting ill, it was a massive risk,” said Thomas, who competes in the 4,000 metres individual pursuit, the road race and the time trial events.