World time trial champion Rohan Dennis has had his contract with race team Bahrain-Merida terminated with immediate effect.
Dennis, who retained his global crown at the UCI world championships in England last week, had not raced for the Bahrain-Merida since the Tour de France in July, which he abandoned after stage 12 without explanation.
On Wednesday, the 29-year-old Adelaide rider powered to his time trial defence in Yorkshire wearing an Australian national race skinsuit.
The official announcement for the termination came during Sunday’s elite men’s road race, in which Dennis was supporting Australia’s lead rider, Michael Matthews.
The Bahrain-Merida’s statements reveal the announcement had been delayed to allow Dennis to prepare fully for the worlds.
“The team had terminated its contract with Mr Dennis on 13th September 2019,” the statement read.
“The termination had not previously been made in public to allow Mr Dennis an undisturbed preparation for the UCI 2019 Road World Championships. “Mr Dennis has referred the termination to the UCI Arbitral Board. “Against this background, no further comment will be made at this time.”
Dennis earlier this month claimed the Advertiser the period after his controversial Tour de France had been the toughest of his career.
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