World Champion Withdraws from Commonwealth Games Contention

Injury has forced former world cycling champion Hayden Godfrey to withdrawn from contention for the Commonwealth Games.

Godfrey, who won the world omnium title two years ago, has informed BikeNZ that issues from a crash in the New Year and further niggling injuries have seriously frustrated his build-up for Delhi.

The Christchurch-based rider, who has been training with the wider Commonwealth Games squad based at Trexlertown in Pennsylvania, believes he would not be at peak form for October and would rather withdraw now to allow opportunity for younger riders.

“I have missed out of getting the consistent preparation required to be a medal contender for the Commonwealth Games,” Godfrey said.

“I don’t need to go for the experience. I only want to go if I can win and I’ve just missed too much training and racing to be in medal winning form in October.”

The 32-year-old, who has represented New Zealand in three Commonwealth Games and one Olympics including a bronze medal at Melbourne in 2006, believes it is better for a younger rider needing the experience to take his place.

His campaign was thwarted with a serious injury after a collision with a vehicle which prevented him competing in the Commonwealth Games Trial in February, but he was added to the wider squad currently based in USA.

“It’s been very frustrating. I would get some good training and racing in and then another minor injury would keep me from training at 100 percent for a few days,” Godfrey said.

“Right now I need to take some time out and get my fitness and health back on track. Then I will sit down with my Subway Avanti team in New Zealand and evaluate things from there.”

BikeNZ are disappointed for Godfrey who was a key part of their plans for Delhi.

“Hayden is a proven performer on the world stage and his experience and skill would have been invaluable for Delhi,” said BikeNZ High Performance Director, Mark Elliott.

“He has already played a significant role with the squad in USA in terms of mentoring our younger riders. We really respect Hayden’s decision to withdraw at this stage which further confirms the quality of the man. This opens up a significant opportunity for a younger rider without Hayden’s vast international experience.”

BikeNZ expect to forward the track nominations for the Commonwealth Games to the NZOC later this month.