World number one Purito decides not to go to Australia after a long season

joaquim rodriguezJoaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) has pulled out of the Spanish team for next month’s World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. The new leader of the World Rankings cites fatigue after a long season, in which he has finished eighth in the Tour de France and fourth in the Vuelta a España.

“I was pretty excited about going to the Worlds,” said Rodriguez in a statement from the Spanish Federation (RFEC), “but I have had a very full season and accumulated a lot of physical and mental fatigue, particularly in this Vuelta a España.

“So I have to be honest with myself and with my collegues,” he continued, “and I see that the best thing for the team is for me to resign and give my place to a another rider who can do better than me.”

Spanish coach Jose De Santos is obviously disappointed to lose a rider of Rodriguez’ experience, particularly as he is currently in very good form.

“It’s a real blow,” he said. “We are talking about a rider who is World number one and has great experience in this type of race. Also because he creates a good atmosphere.”

In Rodriguez’ absence, Ruben Plaza (Caisse d’Epargne), who was originally supposed to ride just the time trial, will step into the road race team. “He demonstrated [in Saturday’s stage over the Puerto de] Navacerrada that he is in good form at the moment and can contribute a lot to the team with his hard work,” said De Santos.

Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse d’Epargne) will also now make the journey to Australia as a tenth man in reserve in case there are any further problems.