Geraint Thomas has decided to pull out of the World Road Cycling Championships due to concerns over his physical condition.

The Welshman was set to compete for Great Britain at the competition, which start in Richmond, Virginia, this weekend.

However, Thomas - who helped Team Sky team-mate Chris Froome to Tour de France glory earlier this year - feels that he cannot compete at this best.

"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," he 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.

"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."

Froome was also ruled out of the Worlds earlier this week after fracturing his foot at the Vuelta a Espana.