British skeleton slider Rose McGrandle has been disqualified from the World Cup selection trials after breaching equipment regulations.
Team officials are deciding the make-up of their three strong squad for the forthcoming season in Altenberg, Germany.
World champion Shelley Rudman is already assured of her place and McGrandle was lying second in the trials, 1.86 seconds behind leader Lizzy Yarnold after two of four runs.
McGrandle was found to be in violation of rules relating to FIBT ‘stamp markings’ on one of her sled runners. The single marking in question was barely visible and significantly worn away.
She will not take part in the final runs of the trials but will still be considered for selection, according to British Skeleton performance director Nigel Laughton.
Laughton and his selection committee will meet on Wednesday evening and announce their World and second tier Intercontinental Cup squads on Thursday morning in Germany.
“It is with great regret that we see an athlete being disqualified," he said.
"Rose was using an old and favoured set of runners which, it appears, have left this single stamp on one runner barely visible – undoubtedly caused by regular sanding of the runner surface.
"All athletes are aware of the rules that govern our sport and the responsibility to maintain their equipment lies with the individual athlete.
"This is a horrible start to Rose’s season, but whilst a tough lesson, and one for all athletes, she still has opportunities to qualify for the Olympics in Sochi next year.”
© Sportsbeat 2013