Scottish Cycling is disappointed to confirm that Katie Archibald has been forced to withdraw from the Team Scotland line-up for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Having been plagued by bad luck throughout the first half of 2022, Archibald and the team around her have made the decision that she is not in a position to compete at the Games, and instead needs to focus on making a full recovery.

Naturally this is extremely disappointing for Katie and her team, as well as her fans, but rest assured this decision has not been taken lightly.

Of that decision, Katie said:

"I took two weeks off in January this year while recovering from shoulder surgery. That was a scheduled break. However since then I've managed to fit in, unscheduled: a back fracture, covid, a concussion, a broken collarbone, another surgery, and (the final cherry on top) two sprained ankles and a big ballooned leg.

“I've tried my hardest to keep my head up - and certainly had enough support from British Cycling, Scottish Cycling, and Ceratizit–WNT Pro Cyclin to do so - but I'm just not coping.

“So with a very heavy heart I've decided to withdraw from the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. This isn't a happy thing to share. Representing Scotland means so much to me, but that's where I am.

“My best to all my teammates (big brother included!) who I know will do us proud. And my thanks again to Scottish Cycling for their support. They put a lot behind me to try and achieve something special this year and, even though I'm not going to manage that, I'm so grateful for their backing."

Commenting on the decision, David Somerville, Head of Performance and Coaching at Scottish Cycling said:

“Naturally we’re disappointed for Katie as we know how much riding for Scotland means to her, but we have been involved and fully support the decision that has been made to withdraw from the team for Birmingham. Right now, Katie needs to focus on her recovery, and we’ll continue to support her as best we can alongside sportscotland, the Scottish Institute of Sport and Great Britain Cycling Team.”