Mark Cavendish bows out of National Road Championships through illness

Mark Cavendish has pulled out of this weekend's National Road Championships after coming down with bronchitis.

The 28-year-old Omega Pharma-Quick Step rider was expected to compete in this year's race to defend his title, but will instead rest up ahead of the Tour de France in July.

"I'm sad because, as current champion, I would really like to defend the title," he said. "I think it's wiser to not take any risks and focus on absolute, 100% recovery, and continue to train for the Tour de France."

The National Road Championships time trials will be held in Abergavenny on Thursday, with the road races taking place this Sunday.