London, Sep 24 (IANS) In the latest blow to the Delhi Commonwealth Games organisers, four top cyclists -- including world and Olympic champion Geraint Thomas -- have pulled out of the Games over hygiene and safety issues.
Englishmen Ben Swift and Ian Stannard and Pete Kennaugh of Isle of Man are the other three cyclists who decided to give the Games a miss Thursday.
Earlier, world champion discus thrower Dani Samuels and two Canadaian archers withdrew from the Games after severely criticing the athletes accommodation in the Games Village.
"It is a massive disappointment first and foremost but with the hygiene and the risk of getting ill, it was a massive risk," Thomas was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
Kennaugh said he had fears about competing in the event and hence the pullout.
"I have been worried about the situation in New Delhi for some time, particularly since the dengue fever situation became apparent a couple of weeks ago," he said.
"Then, just recently, we have seen the pictures from the village and that made my mind up for me," Kennaugh was quoted as saying by 'The Daily Telegraph'.