Gee Atherton to Miss World Championships Due to Shoulder Injury - Bernard Kerr Steps In 7

Updated with audio from Gee and Bernard thanks to Sven Martin

Gee is majorly disappointed to miss this weekend’s racing at Val di Sole, the scene of his first World Champs victory in 2008, a World Cup win in 2013 and three 3rd place podiums.

Hopes were high for Gee this weekend on this tough and technical track that should be right up his street. But last week’s practice crash at Andorra left him with a shoulder that’s just too painful to ride. At last week’s world Cup Gee did push on through the pain but he said later that his shoulder was “hanging on by a thread” in one of the most painful race runs of his career.

Team Director Dan Brown said “Gee went out to practice this morning but had to withdraw when his shoulder was just too painful to continue, reluctantly he’s had to withdraw.

Gee’s space on the British Cycling team will be filled by Bernard Kerr – a popular choice who narrowly missed out on selection in the first instance.

Gee said “ World Champs is all or nothing, its always 110% or go home and the way I’m feeling today – I’m not even 50%. I’m gutted not to race here, the track has always been good to me but Bernard will do a fantastic job for the team. I’ll be cheering loudest of all.”

Pics: Sven Martin