Cadel Evans' world title defence is looking shaky with the two-time Tour De France runner-up forced to skip the final two Pro Tour events of the year because of his elbow complaint.
Evans fractured his elbow during the middle stages of this year's Tour de France before bravely riding on to finish 26th in cycling's showcase event.
VIDEO: Cadel Evans happy Tour de France is over
BMC Racing Team released a statement on Thursday stating the Australian would be missing next month's Pro Tour races in Quebec (September 10) and Montreal (September 12) as he continues his rehab.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
The news is a blow to his chances of defending his road title in the race between Melbourne and Geelong on October 3.
"I am sorry not to be a part of the races in Canada," Evans said.
"I am guessing they will be good lead-up races to the world championships, and grow to be important events in the future. I will have to wait for another year."
Evans became Australia's first cycling road race world champion in Switzerland last year and had looked forward to defending his title on home soil.
Evans spends part of the year at Barwon Heads, just a few kilometres from Geelong.
