Di Luca forfeits Austria tour

Italy's Danilo Di Luca surrendered his place in Team LPR Brakes-Ballan for the upcoming Österreich-Rundfahrt (Tour of Austria). The 32 year-old has decided to prolong his break following his eighth place finish in the Giro d'Italia, May 10 to June 1.

The winner of the 2007 Giro d'Italia and this year's Settimana Ciclistica Lombarda will return to racing with the Trofeo Matteotti, July 20. Di Luca is building for the second half of the season, which includes the World Championships, September 28.

LPR Brakes-Ballan announced its team for Austria, July 6 to 13. The Ireland-based Professional Continental squad will send Luca Celli, Giairo Ermeti, Roberto Ferrari, Sergio Marinangeli, Cristiano Salerno, Ruslan Pidgornyy, Paolo Savoldelli and Jure Golcer.