Portuguese cyclist Sergio Paulinho, a silver medallist at the 2004 Athens Games, on Monday pulled out of the road race at the Beijing Olympics because of health problems.
“Sergio won’t be leaving for Beijing because of his health,” Portuguese cycling federation president Artur Lopes said.
The precise nature of the 28-year-old’s health problems were not given, but he had a request to use an anti-asmathic medication in Beijing turned down.
Lopes insisted, however, that his withdrawal had “nothing to do” with the refusal, adding that it was too late to replace the cyclist in the event which takes place on August 9.