Geraint Thomas out of World Road Race Championships

Geraint Thomas finished 15th in this year's Tour de France

Geraint Thomas has pulled out of the UCI World Road Race Championships in Virginia from 19-27 September, saying he does not feel "physically" up to it.

The Welshman's withdrawal means neither he nor Tour de France winner Chris Froome will compete in the USA.

Froome broke a foot in a crash at the Vuelta a Espana, ruling him out.

"It's been a hard decision to make but the season has taken its toll on me and I don't feel physically up for a good Worlds," Thomas, 29, wrote on Facebook.

"I don't want to go there just to make up the numbers, I'd want to be competitive or at least do a good job for the boys."

Thomas says he wants to rest ahead of 2016 when he feels a top-five Tour de France spot is possible along with an Olympic track medal.

"I love racing for GB and the Worlds are a really special race so it was a difficult decision to make, along with the team, but I feel it's best to rest up now before it's all systems go for a big year next year."

Fellow Briton Mark Cavendish crashed out of the Tour of Britain last week and suffered a shoulder injury, but is hopeful of competing in Virginia as the men's road race takes place on the final day of the championships - 27 September.