Bradley Wiggins chooses not to defend British national title

Bradley Wiggins is missing out on the chance to defend his British National Championships road race title so he can concentrate on the Tour de France.

He is joined by Team Sky colleagues Mark Cavendish and 2010 champion Geraint Thomas in missing Sunday's race in Ampleforth, North Yorkshire.

"In an ideal world we'd have our full British contingent competing, but it simply isn't possible," said Team Sky's Rod Ellingworth.

The Tour de France begins on June 30.

In the absence of their premier riders, Team Sky will field Alex Dowsett, Jeremy Hunt, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Ben Swift in the event.

Ellingworth added: "The riders that have entered this year are all looking forward to it and every one of them will be going all-out to take the victory.

"It's an honour to wear the national colours and if a Team Sky rider can make it three wins from three, it'll be a massive achievement."