The 2008 World champion Terenzo Bozzone has been forced out of Sunday's inaugural Ironman 70.3 Auckland race.
The North Harbour-based athlete has not recovered sufficiently from injuries after crashing during his final training ride in Albany on Thursday.
The 27-year-old says he is devastated to withdraw from the Asia Pacific Championship event in his hometown.
The accident happened to Bozzone when a driver opened a car door into his path while cycling, crashing heavily.
