The ‘will he, won’t he’ debate about Mark Cavendish’s world championship participation was finally decided in favour of the latter today when it was announced that the Manxman would miss this year’s elite road race.
Cavendish had earlier withdrawn from the Tour of Missouri due to a lung infection, and it appears that he has not recovered soon enough to be sure that he would be able to ride well in the Mendrisio event.
British Cycling released a short statement on Wednesday announcing the decision.
“Great Britain’s Mark Cavendish has pulled out of the 2009 UCI Road World Championships ahead of the Elite Men’s Road Race which is scheduled to take place this Sunday 27 September.
“Cavendish will be replaced by his Great Britain team mate Ian Stannard.
The nine man team who will be competing on Sunday are: Stephen Cummings, Russ Downing, Chris Froome, Roger Hammond, Dan Lloyd, David Millar, Ian Stannard, Ben Swift and Geraint Thomas.”
Cavendish is also thought to be upset at the accident which has left fellow Isle of Man rider Jonathan Bellis in a medically-induced coma. The promising young rider was involved in a motorbike crash at the weekend.
Cavendish’ coach indicated on Wednesday that there is a chance that the multiple Tour de France stage winner will not race again this year. He had previously said that he would ride Paris-Tours, but may now have opted to rest up after what has been a long and very successful season.