FORMER champion Liam Phillips has withdrawn from the BMX World Championships due to a wrist injury.

The 28-year-old rider from Burnham who was world champion in 2013 and twice an Olympic finalist, has been replaced in the Great Britain team by Tre Whyte.

Phillips injured his wrist in February and has not fully recovered to compete in Rock Hill, the United States, from July 25 to July 29.

Phillips, who suffered a collarbone injury ahead of his third Olympics in Rio last August, wrote on social media: "Damn... this sucks.

"Unfortunately, I've had to withdraw from this year's World Championships due to injury.

"I crashed in February and sustained injuries to my hand and wrist which simply haven't healed soon enough.

"After the disappointment of Rio, I took some time off and got back to work with only one real objective - try and win the World Championships and wear the rainbow jersey again.

"This has been a massive blow both physically and mentally. My long term health is of the upmost importance and I'll continue working hard to ensure these injuries keep me off the bike for the shortest time possible.

"Thanks to everyone in my corner for understanding the nature of this sport and the difficulties we sometimes face."