Rogers to miss Tour Down Under

Michael Rogers will miss the Australian road cycling championships and the Tour Down Under in January after a long-term heart condition worsened.

Rogers, who plans to retire at the end of 2016, was diagnosed with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve in 2001, and a recent routine check showed the condition had progressed.

The condition causes a small amount of blood to seep from the three-time world time-trial's right heart ventricle to the left.

The Tinkoff-Saxon's road captain has therefore been advised to moderate his training until further tests are complete.

"My first stage win and overall victory in the professional ranks was at the 2002 Tour Down Under, so I'm disappointed I will not be present for next year's edition," Rogers said.

Both the team and Rogers are expecting a return next year, with the 35-year-old still desperate to claim a spot on Australia's team for the 2016 Rio Olympics.