British road and time trial champion Steve Cummings has withdrawn from Great Britain's team for the UCI Road World Championships in Bergen next week.
The 36-year-old from the Wirral was only picked for one of GB's two slots in the individual time trial and not the nine-man road race team.
In a statement on the British Cycling website, Cummings explained he was not given enough time to prepare after initially being told he would be a reserve for the time trial.
"I was surprised to learn eight days before the worlds I had been selected for the time trial," he said.
"I can't prepare for the time trial event in eight days from what I'm coming off. So I don't feel I can do myself justice and would prefer to concentrate on other goals for my team.
"Given that I won't be able to give my best, it would be appropriate to give the opportunity to another rider.
"I'm a little surprised and disappointed with not making the road race team. But I have to respect the selection process, and wish all the lads well. I will focus on the remaining Italian races for my team."
Aside from his double victory at the National Road Championships on the Isle of Man in June, Cummings has endured a tough year with injuries and illness but his undisputed pedigree in long, tactical one-days races makes him a surprise omission from the road race team in Norway.
Since joining South African-based Team Dimension Data in 2015, Cummings has claimed several big wins, including two stages of the Tour de France and last year's overall win at the Tour of Britain.
Cummings' place in the time trial race, which takes place next Wednesday, will be taken by Team Sky rider Tao Geoghegan Hart.
The 22-year-old Londoner, who finished fourth in the time trial at the nationals, has also been selected for the road race on September 24.
British Cycling's performance director Stephen Park said: "It's disappointing that Steve has decided to withdraw himself from the time trial event but we respect his decision and understand that he is motivated to turn his focus elsewhere. I am sure there will be plenty more opportunities for Steve to represent Great Britain in the future.
"This now gives Tao the chance to compete in the elite men's time trial which I'm sure is an opportunity he will relish."
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