Sir Chris Hoy has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi because it clashes with the European Championships, which count as a qualifier for London 2012.
The four-times Olympic track champion told The Scotsman newspaper, “It's a decision that's been forced on me by the nature of the qualification process for the London Olympics.
“I could turn up at the Commonwealth Games in October, but it'd hamper my preparation for the European Championships. And I wouldn't be at 100%," said Hoy.
"The standard at the Commonwealth Games is so high that 95 per cent wouldn't be good enough, and it would be disrespectful to the event and the Scottish team."
The UCI changed its Olympic qualifying criteria in May. Delhi Games beginning on 3 October.
The European Championships – an event formerly restricted to riders under the age of 23 – takes place on 5-7 November.
Fellow Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton said last month that she was unsure about defending her Commonwealth Games title because of similar concerns over scheduling.
Hoy had been relishing the opportunity to represent Scotland and recently said: "It is the only chance that we have got to pull on a Scottish jersey and I think that is what makes the Commonwealth Games such a great event. Don't get me wrong I am proud to compete for Britain but I am very proud to compete for Scotland."
British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford warned that more elite cyclists will have to decide between the two events. "This new European Championship will affect everybody with Olympic ambitions," he said.
If he's not charging VAT yet then it would appear he's making well under 25 bikes per year currently. 8 full builds at 10-15k would send you over...
That looks like a fun bike. Frame only, 2 and an 1/2 grand.
Does this count as social media?
But down the line it can put a big dent in its resale value which ups leasing costs and the amount of cash an owner is throwing at their status...
Only reading the headline on the homepage, not the rest of the article, but I only ride mountain bikes and I still get close passed...
Fair enough, personal experience may trump (not that one) theory. However, the bonking I have experienced has been due to lack of carbs. Your point...
Agreed, but he was still right to publicise the event. The police, if they're anything like Lancashire, will do nothing at all.
mdavidfrodo?
in the UK we have policing which to a greater or lesser extent relies on assistance from members of the public......
Just wanted to share a quick thank you to everyone who helped out in this thread....