Copenhagen is a no go

“After having talked to the team we´ve come to the conclusion that it would be too risky for me to race since the course of the race is really technical and dangerous. Many crashes are likely to happen during the first laps of this big race,” Roman commented after today´s ride.

 
After an injury that he sustained at this year´s Tour he still has his hand in a splint. “We agreed that I will keep practicing with the splint on and I will run some other tests with the team doctor in Italy in two weeks. Depending on the results of the tests I will decide whether to ride the two Italian races, the Emilia and the Tour of Lombardy. If there should be a problem I will quit the season,” he revealed. “The team management also prefers me to heal my hand completely,” Roman added.

 
He feels disappointed about not being able to ride the Worlds because his form has been on the rise. “I´ve been riding hard in the last three days, I didn’t ride fewer than 150km. But the truth is that it is not worth adding any further complications to my injury. If I crashed or somebody clumsily touched my injury I would have to start my treatment from scratch, which would hold me back in my preparation for the next season. I´ve gone through a lot and I don’t want to experience anything like this ever again.”

 
Roman even discussed his health condition with the national coach Rene Andrle. “We have been in touch every day. He knew about my health problems and he completely understood my situation. I´d like to thank him for his patience. I am not sure whether I will be replaced but I was hoping until the very last moment that I would be able to participate. For this reason, I was waiting until today. It could have been an ideal race to get into the race rhythm but my health is more important,” Roman said.