Bert Grabsch powers to victory in the 42.4-kilometre time trial. (Image credit: Fotoreporter Sirotti)
Time trial world champion Bert Grabsch of Columbia-HTC had to cancel his appearance in the Tour of Ireland due to bronchitis. It would have been his debut in the race, which runs August 21 to 23.
"Since I have a light case of bronchitis, it's better to stay at home," he said on his website. "Especially since the weather forecast for Ireland is not very good, with 16° Celsius and rain."
Germany's Grabsch, 33, still plans to be at the start of the Vuelta à España on August 29. That is "an important preparation for the upcoming World Championship, which I don't want to take any risks of missing."
