A week after his dramatic miscalculation at the Australian championships, Brendan Canty is sick and cannot race at the Tour Down Under.
His Cannondale-Drapac team announced on Monday afternoon that New Zealand rider Tom Scully would take his place.
Canty was to celebrate his 25th birthday and his WorldTour debut with Tuesday's opening stage.
He started developing flu-like symptoms on Monday, including fever and chills.
"It's gone from starting a WorldTour race on my 25th birthday to being taken out of the race sick," Canty said.
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"Obviously, it's disappointing. I spent a fair bit of time preparing for this race, and I think my form's quite good.
"It's definitely frustrating, but it happens."
Canty made a bold solo attack in the men's road race at the national championships in January.
But as he started celebrating on the home straight, the bell was rung for one lap to go.
Canty finished seventh and impressed with how he handled the mishap.
