Joaquim Rodriguez will not participate in the Spanish Road Race which takes place next Sunday in Ponferrada. 

"Despite being pre-registered, because at first the idea was to participate, I decided not to because I have yet to reach one hundred percent," says the Catalan rider. 

Purito Rodriguez, who has seen his season disrupted by injuries suffered in falls in the Amstel Gold Race and the Giro d’Italia, has somewhat delayed his return and thinks that with these difficult conditions it is "better to keep training than to participate in a race to the hardness of this championships."

Joaquim can not defend the title won in Cuenca in 2007, riding in the colors of Caisse d'Epargne. Before that, he took part in the nationals in 2001 with ONCE and in 2004 and 2005 with Saunier Duval, and he finished seventh both times. His last appearance at the Championships of Spain was in 2008, defending the title and failing the test. 

From his residence in Andorra, Purito follows a thorough training program and physiotherapy and massage designed to regain form and fitness ahead of his participation in the Tour de France. 

"I'll get something right out, but hopefully I'll entering the race and, although of course I am not to dispute the victory, I hope to show myself and have a good time over the three weeks of competition," he concludes.