Joaquin Rodriguez 'would quit Katusha'

Joaquim Rodriguez has said that he would quit Katusha if the team's appeal to rejoin the world tour is not successful.

The Russian outfit have not been offered a place on the International Cycling Union's world tour, so would likely miss major races including the Grand Tours.

The world's top-ranked road cyclist told Spanish newspaper Marca: "If Katusha is not on the world tour, I will change teams because I don't want to take a step backward."

The Spaniard has set his sights on winning the 2013 Tour de France, having finished on the podium at this year's Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana.

The UCI restricts the world tour to 18 teams per year.