Froome pulls out of time-trial

Chris Froome has withdrawn from Wednesday's time-trial at the UCI Road World Championships to focus on Sunday's road race, British Cycling have confirmed.

The World Championships come at the end of a gruelling season for Froome.

The Team Sky rider was Tour de France runner-up behind Bradley Wiggins in July, won Olympic time-trial bronze behind his compatriot and was fourth in the Vuelta a Espana, which finished on September 9.

The 27-year-old wants more time to recover ahead of Sunday's 261-kilometre road race in Limburg, Holland, when Mark Cavendish will ride in defence of his title.

Froome's non-participation means Alex Dowsett is Britain's sole entrant in the 45.7km elite men's time-trial on Wednesday.