Dame Sarah gave birth at the end of June and was hoping to be ready for the Championships in Baie-Comeau, Canada, which is due to take place from August 29 to September 1, this year.

That, however, has proved to be too ambitious a target even for Dame Sarah, winner of four gold medals at last year's Paralympics in London. 

"My decision to withdraw from the Road World Championships was an easy one as Louisa was born by emergency caesarian section and the post operative rehab takes place over a 12- week period, which includes the Road Worlds and most of September," said Dame Sarah.

"I will be back on my bike after an initial six week rest period and gradually building up to a normal training load with a view to possibly competing on the track before the end of the year."

Dame Sarah's decision has been backed by Gareth Sheppard,British Cycling's Para-cycling performance manager.

"We fully understand and support Sarah's decision to withdraw from the Road World Championships this year," he said.

"We hope Sarah enjoys some quality family time, and we look forward to having her back in full-time training and racing as soon as she's ready."

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