Lewis pulls out, Aussie cyclists still unsure about Delhi CWG

Fri, Sep 24 10 11:28 PM

Melbourne, Sep 24 (PTI) Three-time gold medallist relay runner Tamsyn Lewis has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games citing injury, even as star Australian cyclists Mark Renshaw and Mathew Hayman are still undecided about travelling to Delhi due to sanitation and security issues. The 32-year-old Lewis said her performance was not up to the mark as she is suffering from a tendinitis problem in her knee and did not want to risk long-term damage by participating in what would have been her fifth Commonwealth Games. "This is a very difficult decision but I am desperate to compete at the World Championships next year and in London in 2012 and so that''s the big picture for me," said Lewis, who was hoping to defend Australia''s gold medal in the 4x400m women''s relay. "It''s not about security and hygiene but my times are about two seconds slower than my best and I want the best for the relay team and I would hamper our prospects," said Lewis, who informed Athletics Australia last night about her decision. While she has made her decision, defending champion in cycling road race Mathew Hayman and team-mate Mark Renshaw are still apprehensive about their participation in the crisis-hit Delhi Games. Hayman said his family is worried about his safety and he would take a decision only after the road World Championships in Geelong, which ends on October 3, the opening day of the Games. Hayman, who won the gold medal at the Melbourne Games four years ago, is part of the five-man road team scheduled to participate in Delhi on October 10, seven days after the Games starts. "At this stage I haven''t withdrawn ... but I''ve got some concerns about going," Hayman was quoted as saying in the ''Herald Sun''. "I was reading things about extra security and talk about sniper helicopters (following the race for protection) but it''s not really the place you want to be. "Hiding in buses and getting to and from a race like that doesn''t sound like fun." The cycling event of the Commonwealth Games has already been hit by star pull outs with British quartet of Geraint Thomas, Peter Kennaugh, Ian Stannard and Ben Swift today opting out of the October 3-14 mega-event, citing fears of santination problems in the Athletes Village and security issues. "Last week after the shootings - I''ve got a lovely wife and family and friends that have expressed concern about me going," said Hayman. "(But) on the other hand I always love representing my country. It''s a tough call," said the 32-year-old. MORE PTI ATK SSC

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