Greipel replaces Gerdemann

André Greipel is set to replace Linus Gerdemann in the German squad for the UCI World Road Championship race this Sunday, according to Sporza. Andreas Klöden had already declined to race in Varese, and will end his season on October 3 at Steffen Wesemann's farewell in Hamburg.

Gerdemann pulled out of the squad on Sunday. The German, who won the Tour of Germany this year, cited fatigue from the long season for his absence. Team Columbia team-mate Greipel, who won the ProTour opening Tour Down Under in January, will fill the vacancy.

Greipel has had a fantastic season this year, having won 14 races.

Klöden decided against riding in Varese also citing fatigue as the reason. The 33-year-old Astana rider has said that he cannot find the strength to be active in the last few races of the season.

Klöden won the Tour of Romandië and was third in the Tour de Suisse this year. He said earlier in the year he would not ride the Worlds as he no longer wanted to represent Germany.