'Freak accident' deals blow to Ed Clancy's track campaign

British track star Ed Clancy has been forced to rest for two weeks after a 'freak accident' resulted in him slipping a disc in his back.

Clancy will now have to miss October's European Track Championships in Switzerland, which were scheduled to be an important step in the 30-year-old's pathway towards the Track World Championships and 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

“He did a fantastic four weeks’ endurance training where he went to the maximum," said Great Britain track coach Heiko Salzwedel. "He really came out of the Tour of Britain in good shape but very tired.

>>> Mark Cavendish ‘excited’ at prospect of riding with Wiggins again on the track (video)

"When you’re tired it affects your muscle. It was just one of those freak things, he just turned to pick up his bag and his disc slipped."

Clancy is seeking qualification and selection to contest the team pursuit and omnium. Clancy helped Great Britain to gold in the team pursuit in the 2008 and 2012 Games, and also claimed bronze in the Omnium in London.

After resting for two weeks and resuming training, Clancy will return to competition at the opening round of the UCI Track World Cup in Cali, Colombia, starting on October 30.

Clancy faces stiff competition in qualifying for a place in the 2016 Olympics' omnium, as Mark Cavendish has returned to the boards with an eye on Olympic qualification.