Rotorua rider Clinton Avery has been named to replace Julian Dean in New Zealand's Commonwealth Games cycling team.
Dean pulled out of October's New Delhi games citing a gruelling season on the Pro Tour where he has ridden the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France where he took three stage podiums and is down to ride the Tour of Spain for his Garmin Transitions team.
Avery, 22, is currently trialling with American great Lance Armstrong's Radio Shack team.
New Zealand cycling team manager Andy Reid said today Avery has had a stand-out season with a number of wins and podiums.
"His strength will allow us to be very competitive in the hunt for a medal," Reid said.
"He is a rider that can ride in breaks and also take part in a lead out team for our key sprinter Greg Henderson."
The New Zealand Olympics Committee also announced today the selection of wheelchair 1500m athlete Matthew Lack for his Games debut.
Lack, 19, represented New Zealand in the 2009 international wheelchair and amputee (IWAS) junior world championships in Switzerland and set two under-20 world records (5000m and 1500m) on the way to two gold medals, plus silver in the 800m and bronze in the 400m.
The New Delhi Commonwealth Games will be held from October 3-14.
