Alberto Contador (Astana) waits for the start. (Image credit: Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl)
Spaniard Alberto Contador will not compete in the upcoming UCI Road World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland, he announced Wednesday.
"I talked with [national coach] José Luis Santos and, after analyzing a bit all season and, especially, the fact that I have not competed since the Tour de France, we felt it was best to leave my place to another rider who really will be better," Contador said in a statement.
Contador claimed his second Tour de France title this year ahead of Andy Schleck and Lance Armstrong. He has also taken the Spanish time trial title and wins in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and Volta ao Algarve.
"I've been winning races since the beginning of the season and to get ready for the Worlds would require a major effort, not to mention that probably those who are racing the Vuelta would come in better condition."
"I know the Mendrisio circuit was a good opportunity for me because it's pretty hard, but I had a very demanding year and I preferred to give up my place to another rider," he said.
Contador will appear this week at the Eurobike trade show in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
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