Irish cycling fans looking to catch Dan Martin in action at the National Road Race Championships the weekend after next are in for disappointment with news that he has been forced to withdraw.
The Garmin-Barracuda rider has said he needs as much time as possible to let his body recover from the injuries he sustained during a crash at the Criterium du Dauphiné last week.
The 25-year-old lifted the Irish road race title in 2008 and was narrowly beaten last year by Matt Brammeier in the closest ever finish,
"It's been a tough decision,” Martin said of having to opt out of the championships in Clonmel.
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“To miss out on the chance to wear the champion's jersey for a season caused me a dilemma that I spent weeks mulling over. It’s a pity that I miss the opportunity to race in front of all the fans in Ireland.”
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He plans to spend the time at home in Girona recovering from his crash injuries but insisted his problems would not threaten his expected start in this year’s Tour de France.
"The time at home will be welcome because I have an exciting month ahead of me with, hopefully, the Tour de France and of course representing Ireland in the Olympic Games. I will do some solid training, relax and focus on the month to come."
That’s a pity, but it will be good to see him in the Tour de France, where along with the in-form Nicolas Roche (Ag2r) will be in the hunt for stage wins.
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