By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 19 - Olympic and world cycling champion Victoria Pendleton has joined Usain Bolt and Sir Chris Hoy in pulling out of this year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, another serious blow to organisers growing increasingly frustrated at having invested hundreds of millions of pounds on building facilites that look increasingly likely to play host to a second-rate competition.



Changes to the track calendar by the sport’s international governing body, the UCI, means Pendleton like Sir Chris, has prioritised Delhi for the European Championships, which is due to be held in the same period although a venue and specific date still have to be announced.

Previously, an event for under-23 riders, the European Championships have been upgraded and now carries valuable qualification points for the London 2012 Olympics.

"It's a no-brainer, points for Olympics qualification are on offer," said Penleton, who won the gold medal in the sprint at the Olympics in Beijing in 2008.

"Unfortunately you are not going to jeopardise going to the London, so we have to go to the Europeans."

Pendleton, 29, won a gold medal in the sprint and silver in the 500 metres time trial at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

"It's really unfortunate we can't do both competitions," said the English rider.

But Pendleton's withdrawal will further anger Indian Sports M.S Gill, who, as insidethegames reported yesterday, blasted "it's not at all good" when talking about the steadily increasing list of big names pulling out of the Games.

In addition to the Europeans, Pendleton will be riding World Cup events in Melbourne, Cali, Columbia and most likely Manchester next February.

"I am on a two-year schedule for London 2012," she said.

"It’s all about less specific race training and more work on the basics to take into next year.

"I’ve sacrificed a bit of speed but in the long run it will be better for London. 

"They are intense sessions and while I get more free time, they make me want to sleep more."

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