Millar replaces Thomas in GB road race team for Melbourne World Champs

David Millar of Garmin-Transitions has been confirmed as the replacement for Geraint Thomas in Great Britain's three-man team for next month's World Road Race Championships following the Team Sky rider's withdrawal yesterday.

As reported on road.cc yesterday, the Welshman withdrew from the stage saying that the after-effects of the Tour de France meant that he wouldn't be in peak condition for the 263km race between Melbourne and Geelong.

With Millar already travelling to Melbourne to compete in the World Time Trial Championship - a title he won in Canada in 2003 but was subsequently stripped of after confessing to doping - he was an obvious replacement for Thomas, and with Great Britain qualifying only three riders in the race, could play a key role in helping Cavendish achieve his rainbow jersey dreams if the race comes down to a bunch sprint.

The Manxman is hoping to become only the second British male to win the World Road Race Championship since the late Tom Simpson did so in 1965.

Dave Brailsford, British Cycling's Performance Director, said: "Following selection, Geraint was feeling tired in subsequent races and felt the road worlds were out of reach."

He contiuned: "David Millar has now been selected to ride the road race as well as the time-trial and based on his current form we believe he will work well with Jeremy to give Mark the best chance at the road worlds."