Team England says sorry to Melissa Lowther after flying her 10,000 miles to Australia but forgetting to enter her into race

Melissa Lowther has suffered Commonwealth Games heartbreak [Photo: Courtesy]

England team bosses were left red-faced after flying a cyclist 10,000 miles to the Commonwealth Games then forgetting to enter her into the race, writes Alex Spink on the Gold Coast.

Melissa Lowther had aimed her entire season at competing in today's women’s individual time trial, sidestepping a number of races in order to be in peak condition.

But the night before competition she was told that Team England had failed to tick the right box on her entry form.

An appeal was immediately lodged with organisers of what is known as the Friendly Games - who politely turned it down.

“I can’t put into words how disappointed I am to have been missed off the start list due to an admin error,” Lowther wrote on social media.

“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 the opportunity to represent my country after all the hard miles I’ve put in.”

Lowther was denied entry to the individual Time Trial [Photo: Courtesy]

Sarah Winckless, Team England’s horrified chef de mission, apologised to the cyclist and took responsibility for the blunder.

“It’s more than embarrassing, it’s hugely disappointing,” said Winckless. “She has my sympathies and sincere apologies.

“It is a huge responsibility we have to get the athletes in the right events. I am hugely upset, as she was, that she was not competing.”

This embarrassing incident continues a largely disappointing Games for England, who topped the medal table four years ago.

Headliners Alistair Brownlee, Max Whitlock and Adam Peaty have all under-performed by their sky-high standards.

And today Tom Daley withdrew injured from his individual diving competition citing injury.