Michael Rogers makes his way through the convoy back to the peloton.(Image credit: Mark Gunter)
Sky's Michael Rogers has worked hard for his new team(Image credit: Sirotti)
Overall leader Michael Rogers is trailed by RadioShack's Yaroslav Popovych.(Image credit: Jon Devich)
In 2010 Michael Rogers held off challenges from David Zabriskie and Levi Leipheimer to win the 5th edition of the Tour of California, however it appears as though the Australian will not return to defend his title.
Rogers left HTC-Columbia at the end of 2010 to join Sky, explaining to Cyclingnews at the Tour Down Under that: "I feel like I reached my limit with HTC with California... Sky's goals are more suited in my direction now."
The three-time world time trial champion season has so far consisted of the Australian World Tour race where he finished 53rd overall; he was down to race the Volta ao Algarve but did not start; he then finished 12th at Paris-Nice, was 83rd at Milan – San Remo before taking on Pais Vasco where he was 111th.
Rogers' twitter feed has given some insight into his interrupted schedule, explaining that as early as March 26th, he had been struggling with his health. A month later, he said: "Unfortunately no Tour of Romandie for me! I'm out with a virus that's been lingering around for a few months!"
Fortunately, his health seems to be on the way back, explaining on May 7: "Nice to be back into some serious training again. I will be back racing again in the near future!"
Rogers sat out most of the 2008 season after he contracted glandular fever.
As a sports journalist and producer since 1997, Jane has covered Olympic and Commonwealth Games, rugby league, motorsport, cricket, surfing, triathlon, rugby union, and golf for print, radio, television and online. However her enduring passion has been cycling.
Jane is a former Australian Editor of Cyclingnews from 2011 to 2013 and continues to freelance within the cycling industry.
