Dutch driver withdraws from 4-man bobsled competition, blames a loss of confidence

Dutch driver withdraws

WHISTLER, British Columbia — The Netherlands has pulled out of the four-man bobsled competition after its driver told coaches he has lost his confidence.

Dutch coach Tom de la Hunty says driver Edwin van Calker decided to drop from the field because of a buildup of “numerous factors” including his near crash in the two-man event, the death of a Georgian luger in a training crash and “external family pressures.”

The coach says he believes the Whistler Sliding Center track is safe, and the Dutch team will support van Calker’s wishes.

In the two-man competition, van Calker lost control of his sled but was able to complete the run. He and teammate Jansma Sybren finished 14th.