No Bradley Wiggins for British National Road Championships time trial, says team

Despite rumours suggesting that Sir Bradley Wiggins could make a surprise appearance at this week's British National Road Championship time trial to defend his title, his team did not included the world champion in their line-up in an announcement on Monday morning.

Team Wiggins confirmed the riders set to race on Thursday in Lincoln, which includes Andy Tennant, Mark Christian and Steven Burke, while British Cycling's provisional startlist still reads Wiggins as absent.

An appearance at the event by Wiggins would see him come up against Hour Record rival Alex Dowsett (Movistar), who is searching for his fourth win at the nationals ahead of a possible Tour de France ride.

Wiggins will also come-up against his old teammate Geraint Thomas, who is the only Team Sky rider registered to take on the 44.8km TT course.

Although there is still no indication that the 2012 Tour de France winner will be at the start in Lincoln, GB men's endurance coach Heiko Salzwedel indicated to Cycling Weekly earlier this month that Wiggins could still feature in the race, with the startlist 'subject to change'.

“Until then [the British Championships], he’s [training] on his own," said Salzwedel.

“He’s going to go for the time trial there, and after that, we go to Livigno for an altitude training camp.”

Wiggins's next scheduled race appearance is at the RideLondon-Surrey Classic in August, with organisers confirming his participation in the one-day race last week.

The 2015 time trial takes place on Thursday, before the national championship road race three days, where five Sky riders, including defending champion Peter Kennaugh will start, as well as Mark Cavendish (Etixx - Quick-Step), Steve Cummings (MTN-Qhubeka) and Dowsett.

Bradley Wiggins's time trial minute man