Geraint Thomas withdraws from Championships, saying 'not physically up for it'

Geraint Thomas has pulled out of the UCI World Road Race Championships in Virginia, saying that he does not 'feel physically up for it'.

Welshman Thomas's withdrawal means that neither he nor Chris Froome will be taking part after the Tour de France winner broke his foot during the Vuelta a Espana.

"It's been a hard decision to make but the season has taken its toll on me and I don't feel physically up for a good Worlds," Thomas, 29, wrote on his official Facebook page.

"I don't want to go there just to make up the numbers, I'd want to be competitive or at least do a good job for the boys.

"I love racing for GB and the Worlds are a really special race so it was a difficult decision to make, along with the team, but I feel it's best to rest up now before it's all systems go for a big year next year."

Fellow Brit Mark Cavendish is still hopeful of competing in Virginia despite crashing out of the Tour de France.