Essex cyclist misses out on Tour de France

Alex Dowsett will miss the Tour de France his manager has confirmed.

In a statement, Sky Andrew said the Essex rider would miss the event due to illness:

He said: "Three-time national time trial Champion Alex Dowsett will miss the Tour de France due to illness.

"The Giro D'iItalia stage winner was taken ill at the recent Tour De Suisse and will not recover in time to be part of the nine-man Movistar team."

"He is expected to be fully fit for the Commonwealth Games later this month, where he will team-up with Sir Bradley Wiggins."

Dowsett, 25, took part in last week's national time trial championship at Celtic Manor in Newport, but his hopes of a successful title defence were dashed by Wiggins. Dowsett had to settle for third spot.