The battle for the stars and stripes jersey at Sunday's elite men's US Pro Road Race National Championships opened wide when champion Joey Roskopf abandoned his trip to Knoxville for COVID-19.

Human Powered Health removed Roskopf from the Tour de Suisse lineup last week after he tested positive for coronavirus midway through the eight-day stage race. The string of positive tests led several teams, including Jumbo Visma and UAE Team Emirates, to withdraw from the race entirely, and EF Education Easy Post sent four riders home.

The absence of Roskop, who won the national time trial title in 2018 and finished a strong fourth last year, is a major blow to the US-based professional team.

"Obviously, it's a big disappointment to get COVID. So, I'm going to be at Nationals," Roskopf told Cycling News.

"Coming back from elbow fracture surgery, broken ribs, continuing to race in Switzerland, and then COVID, so it's been far from ideal."

In February, the Decatur, Georgia native fell hard at Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana and broke his left elbow. Just 11 weeks later, he returned to racing in the International Tour of Hellas in Greece, finishing second on the final day and wearing the Stars and Stripes jersey.

"I mean, I'm always on fire to race, as long as I'm healthy. So I still have some training to do, and nothing's going to get in the way of that. But if I can get back to the start line healthy, I appreciate it more. That hasn't happened to me much this year."

The team suffered a number of injuries and illnesses, reducing the once-expected numbers for Sunday's men's road race; Stephen Bassett from Knoxville, who was second in the 2019 road race, collided with a deer on a downhill during a training ride a week ago, resulting in a broken collarbone and rib He missed the race with a crack. Gage Hecht will miss the event due to injuries sustained in a crash at 4 Jules de Dunkerque.

"We want him to defend his title on Sunday, but it would be unwise for him to return to racing too soon after COVID. His health is our main concern, even if it will hinder his chances on Sunday," Jonas Kearney admitted to Cycling News.

Rothkopf said it was the first time he had contracted the coronavirus, and he was positive about the timing of his unscheduled rest.

"In a way, the timing could have definitely been worse. Just like last year, we have a four-week rest period after the All-Japan Championships where we are away from racing. So if [COVID] was going to take place, I'm glad it was right before the summer break," he reasoned.

"But you know, I've never been. So I guess it's just a matter of time. How I'll come back from it, I don't know yet. A lot of players suffer from long-term fatigue. I'm off the bike and resting now so that when I come back, I can get back up and running without digging a hole."

The men's team is targeting several races in Spain and Portugal in late July and early August. A portion of the team will compete in the Arctic Race in Norway, followed by a one-day race in the United Healthcare-sponsored Maryland Cycling Classic in the United States on September 4.

"I always want to race. So it's nice to be able to put that temptation to the side for at least a month," Rothkopf said. 'Yes, my motivation for the season is as high as ever. This year even more so

"Hopefully we can start in August. The team has a great race program for August and September. We have as many race days as we can and some really great races. So I hope I can be there. First of all I want to recover."

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