Kupfernagel bows out of Worlds

World time trial champion Hanka Kupfernagel will not ride in the World Championships next week, the German cycling federation (BDR) announced Friday afternoon. Health problems were cited as the reason for her withdrawal from the team.

No replacement can be named, since Kupfernagel had the starting place as the reigning world champion.

"We are sorry that Hanka Kupfernagel cannot take part in the title competition," said BDR Sport Director Burkhard Bremer. According to the BDR's press release, Kupfernagel had motivation problems after the unsuccessful Olympic games. After training and further racing, "she seemed to be fit again in time," the press release said.

"In the last few days, it has become apparent, however, that her health is not up to such a difficult World Championship race," the statement concluded, and noted that Kupfernagel had previously said that she would not race if she did not feel 100 percent fit. (SW)