Mark Cavendish has withdrawn from the Great Britain team for next week's Road Cycling World Championships in the United States with a shoulder injury, British Cycling confirmed on Friday.

The 30-year-old from the Isle of Man won the 2011 title but will be unable to compete in the event in Richmond, Virginia after colliding into a stationary car at the Tour of Britain last week.

Adam Yates has been added to the squad after Geraint Thomas also withdrew, citing fatigue, and an additional rider is likely to be added to the squad to replace Cavendish.

British Cycling technical director Shane Sutton said: "It's a real blow for Mark to have to pull out of this year's race as we thought he had a great chance of being successful.

"Unfortunately the injury he sustained during last week's Tour of Britain is more serious than we had hoped. We wish him well in his recovery."
Source: AFP