Cycling: Henderson back on his bike

Greg Henderson. Photo / Getty Images

Greg Henderson's fears over his health and safety in New Delhi forced him to abandon the pursuit of a fifth Commonwealth Games medal, now British Airways have compromised his preparations for the world road cycling championships.

Henderson has been unable to train for Sunday's road race from Melbourne to Geelong since arriving back from his Spanish base on Friday because his bike was lost in transit from Europe.

And then, when finally unpacked, the forks were so badly damaged the machine could not be ridden.

"The forks were smashed to pieces, British Airways have looked after my gear yet again," Henderson lamented.

Fortunately he rides for England-based pro outfit Team Sky and with Great Britain's road team setting up close to the New Zealanders he was able to source a replacement set for the team mechanic to install today.

"The bike is back up and running," he said, hoping four days unscheduled rest would not undermine his role in a New Zealand trio compromising leading hope Julian Dean and Hayden Roulston.

"It's not ideal. Unfortunately it took four days for the bike to get here, it was damaged and my training bike still hasn't shown up."

So at this stage Henderson does not have a reserve bike should he suffer mechanical problems during the 262.7km test of endurance.

He was comforted by being able to ride in a key training session tomorrow, though his buckled - and missing luggage - was frustrating.

Henderson and his wife Katie Mactier, a former Australian Olympian, lost six bags including the stroller for their daughter Charlie.

On his return to Melbourne Henderson was told by airline staff the bike's arrival was imminent so he did not organise a replacement.

"They says it's coming, it'll be tonight, so you don't make plans. Then you get on the phone again .... I should have known better really," he said.

The 33-year-old was hoping the disrupted preparation might actually be beneficial.

"It was 36 hours (travel) from Europe, maybe resting is a good thing - let's go with that one."

Hours after landing in Australia, Henderson announced he was pulling out of the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team citing safety concerns and family reasons - and has no regrets about his decision.

"For me it's the best decision. The more I think about it the more sense it makes.

"I haven't got anything to gain from Delhi, only things to lose."

New Zealand's world championship campaign starts tomorrow in the women's time trial, naturalised Dane Linda Villumsen's first international outing for her adopted home.

A bronze medallist in Switzerland last year, the 24-year-old was not envisaging another podium finish after getting acquainted with an undulating 22.9km course today.

It was too hilly for her liking while the blustery winds would also be an obstacle - Villumsen encountered the element's danger today when a safety barrier was blown into her path.

"One came flying into me. It was bad luck, my elbow is sore but I'll be all right."

Villumsen, who chose to compete for New Zealand last December, admitted her first world championship in black would be difficult.

"It's important for to make a good start but on the other hand it's hard to predict what's going to happen," she said.

"It's a really hard lap."

Her season had also been disrupted by illness and dental problems though she felt she had got back on track in the last two months.

Villumsen, who sets off third last in the field of 38, thought the unforgiving nature of the course left the podium open though when pressed she nominated top-seeded German veteran Judith Arndt, to add to her 2004 world road race title.

New Zealand's men also get underway tomorrow with Michael Vink and Shem Rodger lining up in the 41-strong under-23 time trial over 31.8km.

- NZPA