Former world champion Becky James has withdrawn from Wales’ Commonwealth Games squad due to a knee injury.

The track sprinting ace, who had been among the favourites for a gold medal at the Games, was forced to miss two weeks of training following minor surgery.

And on her return, she aggravated a knee injury, which has forced her to withdraw from competition, which starts next month – much to her disappointment.

She said: “Unfortunately I will be withdrawing from the Team Wales Cycling squad for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. The reason for this is a knee injury sustained following a period of medical rest.

“In May, I received abnormal results from a routine smear test, and following the biopsy results I underwent minor surgery which I’m pleased to say was successful. The surgery, however, meant two weeks away from my usual training regime.

“Following the rest, in an effort to make up for lost time, I aggravated a knee injury that will rule me out of the Games.

“I’m terribly disappointed I won’t be competing in Glasgow, I still hope to be in Glasgow cheering the team on, and wish the entire team the best of luck.”

Matt Cosgrove, Welsh Cycling’s performance director, added: “Athletes’ health is our priority.

“Although it is disappointing that Becky will be absent from the Team Wales cycling squad in Glasgow this summer, it is important that she now looks after herself and is on the road to recovery.

“We look forward to seeing her back on the bike and competing in the near future.”

Wales unveiled a strong squad for the Games, which also includes world team pursuit champion Elinor Barker, Team Sky duo Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe and newly-crowned British under-23 time trial champion Scott Davies.

The track cycling events kick off on Thursday July 24, with the time trials a week later and the road races on Sunday August 3.