Monday 21 September 2015 18:52, UK
Mark Cavendish’s season is over after he was forced to undergo surgery on the shoulder injury that ruled him out of the UCI Road World Championships in the United States this week.
The 30-year-old sustained a "partial tear" of the acromio-clavicular ligament in his left shoulder in a crash at the Tour of Britain earlier in September.
He withdrew from the world road race, where he was set to lead Great Britain, last Friday and then underwent surgery on Monday morning in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
He has also pulled out of his last remaining engagement of 2015, the Abu Dhabi Tour from October 8-11.
Cavendish said: "It has been a very difficult decision. However, after 10 days from the crash, I still had pain and I couldn't lift or pull much weight.
"I tried to ride my bike a few days ago on the road, but I could not put any power out by pulling on the handlebars. The surgery was necessary to avoid any problems in the near future. I'm so disappointed to end the season like this.
"The UCI Road World Championships and Abu Dhabi Tour were two important objectives for the end of my season. But there's nothing I can do now except take a period of rest, and then start with intensive rehab. I wish Etixx - Quick-Step and the British National Team all the best for the next races."
The news could spell the end of Cavendish's time with Etixx - Quick-Step.
Team manager Patrick Lefevere said last week that there was a "90 per cent chance" Cavendish would change teams over the winter and he has been heavily linked with a move to MTN-Qhubeka.
Cavendish ends the 2015 season with 14 wins.
