In that scenario, Romney picks up just two percentage points, but moves up to second place two points behind Sarah Palin (14%), one ahead of Mike Huckabee (11%) and two ahead of Donald Trump (10%).
England's Paralympic champion Sarah Storey finished in 3:39.964, to place sixth in qualification, missing out on a second ride with only four riders progressing.
With Romero missing out, Paralympic champion Sarah Storey will ride with Wendy Houvenaghel and Joanna Rowsell, while a group of four youngsters will compete for a place in the 100% ME team.