PARIS — Two-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has withdrawn from the cycling world championships, citing a lack of fitness.
Contador, who won his second Tour title in July, is not in top shape and doesn’t want to prevent another rider from competing at the worlds, spokesman Jacinto Vidarte said Thursday in an e-mail.
“After looking back at my season, and given the fact that I haven’t competed since the Tour de France, we have decided it was better to give up my place to someone else,” Contador said in a statement.
The worlds road race is scheduled for Sept. 27 in Mendrisio, Switzerland.
Contador says Spain coach Jose Luis Santos understood his decision.
“To get ready for the worlds would require a major effort and the riders who are currently racing at the Spanish Vuelta will probably come in a better condition,” the 26-year-old Contador said.
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