Fabian Cancellara will no take a short break from racing

Fabian Cancellara has withdrawn from the Tour de France in order to prepare for the world championships in September.

The 33-year-old Swiss rider was lying 34th overall, having finish fifth on the cobbled fifth stage and then second on stage nine.

Cancellara will now take time off before building back up for a bid for a fourth world time trial title, and then a possible attempt at the Hour Record.

“I will travel home now and take a little break,” Cancellara said. “The season has been long for me, starting back in Dubai.

“I have done 59 days of competition this season so far and I have another big goal at the end of this season, the world championships. It is not a secret that I would like to be in my best shape there, so it is important that I take some rest.”