Alex Dowsett was forced to postpone his attempt at the UCI Hour Record due to a positive test for COVID-19.

Dowsett was scheduled to attempt the record he holds in Manchester on December 12.

No date has been set for the new challenge, but Dowsett confirmed that it would be in 2021.

"I am truly sorry that I will not be able to challenge as planned, but first and foremost my health is my priority," Dowsett said in a statement from the UCI.

"I want to thank the event organizers, the event sponsors, my team, the UCI, and most of all everyone who has supported me. I hope to announce the 2021 dates as soon as possible."

The British rider was hoping to capitalize on his stage-winning form at the Giro d'Italia, so the setback was a major blow. He described the three-week race as "a phenomenal training block," but will have to adjust his approach going forward.

Dowsett revealed last week his plans to go after the UCI Hour Record.

The 32-year-old broke the record in 2015 with 52.937 km, but it was soon beaten by Bradley Wiggins, and last year Victor Kampenaerts improved it again to 55.089 km.

Dowsett admits that Kampenaerts' distance was hard to beat, but that his 2015 effort did not live up to his true potential.

"I was very frustrated last time because I realized that although I got the record, there was still a lot left to do," he told Cycling News.

"So I just want to see what I can do."

Dowsett is participating in the event to raise awareness of hemophilia, which he suffers from.

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