Storey out of competition due to birth

Dame Sarah Storey has ­withdrawn from the UCI Para-­Cycling Road World ­Championships, British Cycling has confirmed.

Storey is resting following the birth of her daughter Louisa and will miss the championships, which are scheduled to take place in Canada from 29 August to 1 September.

Storey said: “My decision to withdraw from the Road World Championships was an easy one as Louisa was born by emergency caesarian section and the post-operative rehab takes place over a 12-week period, which includes the Road Worlds and most of September.

“I will be back on my bike after an initial six-week rest ­period and gradually building up to a normal training load with a view to possibly ­competing on the track before the end of the year.”

British Cycling’s Para-cycling Performance Manager Gareth Sheppard said: “We fully understand and support Sarah’s decision to withdraw from the Road World Championships this year.

“We hope Sarah enjoys some quality family time, and we look forward to having her back in full-time training and racing as soon as she’s ready.”