England officials have been forced into an embarrassing apology after a ­cycling medal hopeful was unable to compete because they failed to submit her entry correctly.

Melissa Lowther had arrived in Gold Coast with her sights set on making the time-trial podium, only to be told on the eve of the event that Team England had not ­managed to tick the right box on the entry system.

Team officials submitted a last-ditch appeal to Commonwealth Games organisers late on Monday night, but their request failed.

Lowther, 21, said she “could not put into words how disappointed” she was, while Sarah Winckless, Team England chef de mission, apologised to the cyclist.

“It’s more than embarrassing,” said Winckless, an Olympic rowing medallist. “It’s hugely disappointing and she has my sympathies and sincere apologies.