The Canadian also throws in the towel for the road race after his forfeit in the time trial: his ribs couldn't withstand the impact in Quebec.
Five days after withdrawing from the time trial at the World Championships in Montreal, Canadian fans are in for a shock: Derek Gee-West will also withdraw from the road race, thus ruining any chance of a medal in front of his home crowd.
Cycling Canada announced the withdrawal of the 29-year-old Ontario native just hours after the conclusion of the team time trial, a race that Canada completed without its reigning national champion, finishing ninth over the 40.6 km course. This significant absence was also felt in the team event.
"I'm devastated to have missed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Canada at our home World Championships," Gee-West said in a statement released by Cycling Canada. These words weigh like a millstone for a rider who had long dreamed of this event.
"Unfortunately, my recovery from the crash at the Montreal GP wasn't quick enough to allow me to race properly or contribute to the team and justify a spot on the starting grid. It will still be exciting to experience the atmosphere of the World Championships in Montreal, but this time from the other side of the barriers," the rider added.
Taking up the baton in Sunday's road race will be veteran Guillaume Boivin , a three-time Canadian national champion, although his last title dates back to 2021. Now in his sixteenth year as a professional, he has several World Championship appearances, including a bronze medal in the under-23 road race in 2010, his first year as a professional. He has been part of the NSN Cycling team's program for a decade.
"I appreciate Derek's honesty in this situation; I know how difficult it is for him to give up a home World Championship. I'm excited for this opportunity. I want to have a good race and represent Canada at its best on home soil," said Boivin, ready to take on an unexpected but exciting challenge.
Boivin will be joined by fellow Ontario natives Michael Woods and Michael Leonard , as well as a trio of Quebec riders: Hugo Houle , Nickolas Zukowsky and Pier-André Côté .
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The Canadian also throws in the towel for the road race after his forfeit in the time trial: his ribs couldn't withstand the impact in Quebec.
France and Switzerland beaten
Slovenian is registered in a preliminary list
Second place goes to a great Nicolas Milesi. Third place goes to Alvarez.
