Team England cyclist had to miss Commonwealth Games time trial because someone forgot to tick a box

Team England have apologised after Melissa Lowther was not allowed to race the Commonwealth Games time trial due to an admin error. ITV reports that an unticked box meant she wasn’t formally entered.

In a post to Instagram, Lowther wrote: "I can't put into words how disappointed I am to have been missed off the start list due to an admin error.

"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 an opportunity to represent my country after all the hard miles I've put in."

Team England chef de mission Sarah Winckless said: "I personally shared my apologies for missing her out of the time trial today… no athlete should be put in this position because of an administrative error by my group."

She said there had been "seven or eight" opportunities to spot the mistake, but it was repeatedly missed. When the error came to light, England appealed to the Commonwealth Games Federation but this was rejected.

British Cycling performance director Stephen Park said: "She’s trying to be as upbeat as she possibly can… she’s been out on a training ride this morning and we're now all behind her efforts for the road race.

"Hopefully she'll come out there feeling fresh and be able to get a little bit of retribution on the road."