Last year's Tour de France champion Cadel Evans has opted to take a pass on this week's Olympic time trial, according to Cycling Australia.
The announcement won't come as a major surprise to most, after the BMC Racing rider had a difficult time attempting to defend his Tour de France title earlier this month. Briton Bradley Wiggins handily took the overall title and is considered one of the big favorites for the time trial.
The statement read, “Cadel Evans will not compete in the men’s individual time trial event,” which is set to take place in three-days time.
“He [Evans] has been seen by the cycling doctor, Dr. Mark Fisher, and Olympic team medical director Dr Peter Baquie, and they have confirmed he is fatigued and will not recover in time for Wednesday.”
Cycling Australia said it will not replace Evans, which leaves three-time World Champion Michael Rogers as Australia's only chance at a medal in the men's individual time trial event. Rogers will have his hands full with the likes of Wiggins, reigning world time trial champion Tony Martin (Germany) and Swiss powerhouse Fabian Cancellara, whose chances, despite injuring his shoulder during Saturday's road race, should not be underestimated.