Earlier this evening it was announced that Mark Cavendish will not take the start at the British National Road Championship on Sunday, June 29 to defend his national champion status.

The current British Champion is struggling with recovering from a bout of bronchitis, which began during the final stages of the Tour de Suisse last week. British Cycling and Cavendish's team Omega Pharma - QuickStep have agreed that - as a precautionary measure - Cavendish will remain in Italy, thus enabling him to focus fully on the recovery that is needed for him to be able to start the 2014 Tour de France in optimal fitness.

"I'm sad because, as current champion, I would really like to defend the title," Cavendish told Roadcycling.com when asked to comment on the decision to remain in Italy instead of traveling to Great Britain to defend his national champion title. "I would have liked to honor the race and the national champion jersey that I wore for all of 2014 so far, which allowed me to represent my country proudly."

"I think it's wiser, however, to not take any risks and focus on absolute, one hundred percent recovery, and continue to train in function of the Tour de France. I talked with the race organizers and they understand my situation perfectly. I wish them well, and also wish good luck to all riders at the race on Sunday trying to fight for this jersey I am so proud to wear."