The para-cyclist is in Paris with the rest of the team and has been monitored under concussion protocols but has not progressed to the stage where he would be able to compete safely, the New Zealand Paralympics Team announced in a press release.

The 19-year-old was scheduled to make his Paralympic debut on the track in the men's C4-5 1000m time trial and the men's C4 4000m individual pursuit, but was involved in a crash at the final team training session in Switzerland before leaving for the Games.

"While Ben has been recovering well, further tests this week have shown that he has not progressed to the stage where he would be able to compete safely when his events get underway on Friday," said the NZ Paralympic Team in a statement. "Following discussions with Ben, it has been decided to withdraw him from competition and the NZ Paralympic Team will officially inform the UCI of his withdrawal."

NZ Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Raylene Bates said the priority was the health and safety of Ben in this "difficult situation".

"The medical team has worked really hard this week to aid Ben’s recovery – but unfortunately the decision had to be made to withdraw him from competition.

"Ben has been going really well and we are all hugely disappointed he won’t make his Paralympic debut at Paris 2024, but we are confident he will be back."

In 2023, Westenberg shattered the NZ C5 individual pursuit record, clocking 4:40.742 to hack several seconds from the previous record. Westenberg also claimed four top ten spots highlighted by fifth in the C4 Omnium and sixth in the C4 individual pursuit at the 2024 Para-Cycling Track World Championships in Rio.