Former Dunedin cyclist Greg Henderson will not compete at next year's Olympic Games in Rio.
The 39-year-old told Radio Sport the course does not suit him and other Kiwi riders would be better suited to compete.
It means Henderson will not equal Sir Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson (both equestrian) with six Olympic Games appearances.
He has instead signed a one-year extension with Belgian team Lotto Coudal for a fourth World Tour season.
Henderson's Dunedin-based brother, Chris, said the news did not surprise him.
''It's his last year next year as a pro, anyway,'' he said.
''The course changes year to year. If he looked at it and thinks he can't get over the hill, then he won't try and take a position.
''He's looked at the course profile and obviously decided it doesn't suit him.''
Chris plans to catch up with his brother when the family holidays in Central Otago over Christmas.
