Nicole Cooke has spoken of her shock after being denied the opportunity to defend her Giro Donne crown. Cooke's team boss is in dispute with the Italian Cycling Federation and will boycott all their races this summer.
"I am shocked by the decision taken by Maurizio Fabretto," said Cooke, who rides for Safi-Pasta Zara-Manhatten.
"One of the big aims of the team has been the Giro and we have all prepared for it to the maximum. I really wanted to defend my maglia rosa."
The tour of Italy is the biggest race on the circuit, considered the women's equivalent of the Tour de France.
Cooke, who won the nine-day event on her first attempt last season, will now turn her attention to October's World Championships in Madrid.
She added: "I would prefer to be there in the race seeing my rivals and knowing that if I did get beaten it would be because they were stronger, not because I was unable to race. That is what racing is.
"All I and my other Safi riders can do is look to other races this season.
"One thing is for sure, we are all going to be doubly motivated."
MMIX
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