Alberto Contador has opted out of riding the road World Championships later this month, citing a lack of racing form since winning the Tour de France in July.
The Astana rider doesn't want to be in Mendrisio, Switzerland, for the Worlds (September 27) in poor shape just to make up the numbers for Spain and would rather his place go to a compatriot who has the form to do well.
"After looking back at my season, and given the fact that I haven't competed since the Tour de France, we have decided it was better to give up my place to someone else," Contador said via a statement issued on Thursday.
Contador had already opted out of riding his home tour this month, the Vuelta a Espana - he won the race last year. It is now likely that he will have a quiet end of season and concentrate on finding a new squad to support him in next year's Tour de France.
Contador speaks about this year's Tour de France and the problems he experienced within the Astana team in the latest issue of Cycle Sport magazine, out now.
Related links
Vuelta a Espana 2009: Cycling Weekly's full coverage
Alberto Contador: Rider Profile
Contador tops UCI World Ranking
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