Wakefield Commonwealth Games athlete Melissa Lowther misses out on cycling event...because of admin mistake

A Wakefield athlete has been left gutted after being told she is unable to compete in a Commonwealth Games cycling event due to an administrative error.
Melissa Lowther. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.comMelissa Lowther. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Melissa Lowther. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

Melissa Lowther, aged 21, is making her Commonwealth Games debut on the Australian Gold Coast.

But she was forced to sit out of the women's individual time trial cycling race today after an administration error meant she was not entered.

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In a statement on social media, the Wakefield-born athlete said: "I can't put into words how disappointed I am to have been missed off the start list due to an admin error.

Melissa Lowther. Courtesy of	Alex Whitehead/SWpix.comMelissa Lowther. Courtesy of	Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Melissa Lowther. Courtesy of Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

"It was one of my targets this season to make selection for the Time Trial event and I was so proud that my hard work in training had paid off.

"While Team England have apologised, I'm still gutted not to have the opportunity to represent my country after all the hard miles I've put in.

"Hearing the news was really difficult, and I'd like to thank my family, friends and British Cycling for their support.

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"My plan now is to try and put this out of my mind while I focus on preparing for the road race."

Melissa Lowther. Courtesy of	Alex Whitehead/SWpix.comMelissa Lowther. Courtesy of	Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Melissa Lowther. Courtesy of Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

Team England apologised to Ms Lowther for the mistake and said a review would take place to find out how the situation arose.

In a Tweet, Team England said: "We have issued a statement apologising to @mellowther96 after an admin error meant she was not entered into today’s time trial."

A link to the statement is not currently active.

Ms Lowther will compete in the road race on Currumbin Beachfront on April 14.