Plaxton pulls the plug on 2012 season

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Max Plaxton (Specialized) was attempting to get onto the podium again (Image credit: Dave McElwaine/trailwatch.net)

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Max Plaxton (Specialized) wearing an ice vest due to the heat (Image credit: Dave McElwaine/trailwatch.net)

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Max Plaxton (Can Specialized) sits two places off the podium and is fighting to get on. (Image credit: Mike Gladu - velodrome.com)

Specialized rider Max Plaxton opted out of the 2012 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, missing the event for the first time in 10 years. It's a disappointing end to what has been Plaxton's best season to date, but he is optimistic that the time off will serve him well.

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"With some quality time off to let the mind and body rest and recover, I am looking forward to next season and to carry on where I left off." Plaxton thanked both his team and the Canadian Cycling Federation for their support.