Team BMC Racing's Norwegian rider Thor Hushovd says he will miss the London Olympics because of an illness.

Hushovd says he has not recovered fully from a long-term viral infection and will not be competing at the Olympics road race that will start outside Buckingham Palace in London on July 28, 2012.

The 34-year-old rider made the announcement earlier today. The 2010 World Champion said the London Olympics have been his top priority, but he had decided to give up his spot in the Norwegian team because he's not in top shape.

The Norwegian cycling federation said Vegard Stake Laengen will replace Hushovd, who also missed this year's Tour de France and pulled out of the a race in Poland last week.

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