Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) has pulled out of the Spanish team for next month’s World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. The new leader of the World Rankings cites fatigue after a long season, in which he has finished eighth in the Tour de France and fourth in the Vuelta a España.
“I was pretty excited about going to the Worlds,” said Rodriguez in a statement from the Spanish Federation (RFEC), “but I have had a very full season and accumulated a lot of physical and mental fatigue, particularly in this Vuelta a España.
“So I have to be honest with myself and with my collegues,” he continued, “and I see that the best thing for the team is for me to resign and give my place to a another rider who can do better than me.”
Spanish coach Jose De Santos is obviously disappointed to lose a rider of Rodriguez’ experience, particularly as he is currently in very good form.
“It’s a real blow,” he said. “We are talking about a rider who is World number one and has great experience in this type of race. Also because he creates a good atmosphere.”
In Rodriguez’ absence, Ruben Plaza (Caisse d’Epargne), who was originally supposed to ride just the time trial, will step into the road race team. “He demonstrated [in Saturday’s stage over the Puerto de] Navacerrada that he is in good form at the moment and can contribute a lot to the team with his hard work,” said De Santos.
Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse d’Epargne) will also now make the journey to Australia as a tenth man in reserve in case there are any further problems.