Sam Bennett has decided not to defend his title at this weekend's National Championships.
The Carrick-on-Suir rider is barely a fortnight removed from his green jersey win on the Tour de France.
Bennett wore the tricoloured jersey for the past year after he pipped Eddie Dunbar to victory in 2019's Cycling Ireland Road National Championships.
Writing on Instagram, Bennett said he would not be defending his title, "due to goals set out by myself and my team for the remainder of the season".
He says he's also trying to limit the health risks accompanied by travelling.
Bennett adds it was his dream to wear the national champion's jersey at some of the biggest races in the world.
Among those who are competing will be Nicholas Roche and Ryan Mullen.
The women's field features the likes of Eve McCrystal, Lara Gillespie, Meave Gallagher and Kelly Murphy.
Sam Bennett statement:
Unfortunately I will not be able to defend my title this year at the Irish National Championship due to goals set out by myself and my team for the remainder of the season.
I am also trying to limit the health risks of traveling.
It was my dream to wear this jersey at some of the biggest cycling races in the world. I always tried my best to represent it to the best of my abilities.
After 25 podiums, 11 of which were wins (2 Tour de France, 2 Vuelta a Espana), 3 points classification jerseys including the Tour de France green jersey, my last race as Irish National Champ was a win on the Champs-Élysées wearing green.
A perfect end to my time as Irish National Champion.
