Marianne Vos out of Flanders

Marianne Vos will not ride in Sunday's Ronde van Vlaanderen voor Vrouwen - the 24-year-old Dutch phenomenon has 'flu and wishes to recover as soon as possible rather than place her participation in other races in jeopardy.

Sarah Duster will now lead the Rabobank team says the Rabosport website. "It is especially unfortunate for Marianne," said team manager Jeroen Blijlevens. "The Tour of Flanders was one of her major goals in the spring. We hope that she is fit again soon."

Vos, who has already won the two opening rounds of the Women's World Cup, was the favourite for the race. Her brother Anton announced the news on Twitter:

Anton Vos ‏ @anton_vos
Marianne start NIET in de Ronde van Vlaanderen, ze is ziek en wil de rest van haar seizoen niet in gevaar brengen.

Very best wishes, Marianne - with a bit of luck, you'll recover every bit as fast as you can ride a bike!