Fair enough. Team Columbia, based in the States, pay his wages so they naturally want their star rider to race in the Tour of Missouri. They let him withdraw from the Tour de France for a completely fruitless pursuit of an Olympic medal for his country, so they probably think they've done their bit to pander to national duties, and now it's time for him to get on with his day job. When interviewed, Cav seemed quite happy to be back in the fold of his Team again anyway.

And as for the Worlds, well he has had a long season... It can't be easy trying to satisfy 2 bosses - your country and your sponsors...