Sastre to skip Worlds

Spaniard Carlos Sastre (Team CSC - Saxo Bank) announced Wednesday that he would not race the World Championship in Varese, Italy, later this month.

Although he had been selected for his nation's team, he told the selector Paco Antequera that he was declining his nomination. Sastre has had a long season, including winning the Tour de France. He currently sits in third in the Vuelta a España.

"I have said that I am very tired, especially on a psychological level, and that in these circumstances, I prefer to give my place to another rider - one who is more rested, who has more ambitions and desire than I have and who can bring something more than me to the team."

"I have to make this decision because I have always felt very proud to represent Spanish Cycling in this type of race, but I think it's better for me and for the selection."

He added that he wished the team "good luck" and hoped they would bring home the title for Spain.