CYCLING - ROAD: Cyclist, Simon Gerrans, has withdrawn from the 2016 Australian Olympic Team for Rio because of injury.

Gerrans was hurt in a crash during the Tour de France on Friday.

Today he informed Team Officials that he would not recover from his injuries in time for the Games and withdrew from the Team.

“I am a proud Australian and as an athlete there is no greater honour than representing your country at the Olympic Games. 

Following my crash in stage 12 of the Tour de France resulting in a broken clavicle, with enormous regret I would like to inform you of my decision to withdraw from the Australian team for the Rio Olympic Games. 

My goal at the Olympic Games was to get the best result possible for Australia. With my current injury my preparation would be seriously jeopardised, and so to my performance at the Games. For Australia to have the best chance to achieve the best result possible, I feel I should be replaced by one of the riders in the squad” he said.

Cycling Australia has indicated it will choose a replacement for Simon and nominate that athlete to the AOC for selection later in the week.

For more information please contact Mike Tancred on 0412330274

AOC