Pavel Sivakov will miss his first chance to compete in the French Road Championships. The French Championships will be held this week in Cholet, with the men's road race taking place on Sunday.

The Ineos Grenadier rider changed his nationality from Russia to France in March. After Russia invaded Ukraine, the UCI banned Russian license holders from competing in the world championships.

Sivakov was born in Italy and raised in France.

"I had wanted to become a French citizen for some time and had requested it from the UCI, but I wanted to hasten this given what is currently happening in Ukraine," he said at the time.

This change qualified him to compete for France. I am incredibly happy to have the opportunity to represent France in international competitions," he said. It would be a dream come true to race for France at the 2024 Olympics in Paris."

On Tuesday, however, he revealed that he is suffering from an illness.

"Unfortunately I have had to give up the French Championships. I am not feeling well and have been suffering from fever and other symptoms since last Sunday and will not be able to start the two events... As several tests have been negative, Covid will not be used"

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Sivakov was not on Ineos Grenadier's Tour de France list and failed to win Richard Karapas' second title at the Giro d'Italia, finishing in 16th place.