Manchester: Sick world track cycling champion Graeme Obree has been denied the chance to defend his title next week.

Obree, whose Olympic medal hopes in Atlanta were also ruined by ill-health, has been suffering since May with a viral infection. The Scot won the world 4,000 metres pursuit title for the second time last year.

But national coach Doug Dailey said: 'He is still suffering with post-viral problems and after a day of medical tests a specialist advised him not to compete.'