Skiing: Illness forces Calder to withdraw

New Zealand cross country skier Katie Calder has withdrawn from the Winter Olympics 30km mass start in Canada tomorrow.

After contracting a stomach bug earlier in competition, Calder has failed to regain the weight she lost.

High performance director of the winter performance programme, Ashley Light, said Calder would not have the stamina necessary to contest the endurance event.

"Katie really wanted to give it a go, but after consulting with medical staff she realised she would not be strong enough to compete. She had lost around 4kg and, on an already small person, this was just too much.

"We're disappointed for Katie. She's a gusty and dedicated athlete who really wanted the opportunity to show New Zealand what she could do. "

New Zealand's next and final competitor at the Games will be Ben Koons, who will contest the men's cross country 50km mass start on Monday.