Edwards out of European Cup

Edwards - aiming for gold in Sydney

Jonathan Edwards has stunned the British team by pulling out of the European Cup.

World triple-jump record-holder Edwards is believed to be seriously concerned about his form after finishing only fourth in last Friday's Golden League meeting in Rome.

Edwards' withdrawal comes as a blow to British hopes of regaining the team title they won for the first time in 1989.

The 34-year-old former world champion, who has won his event in the European Cup four times, said he had thought long and hard about the decision, even discussing the implications with UK Athletics jumps' technical director Tudor Bidder.

Winning in Sydney is the most important thing for me this year and must take priority over everything else

  Jonathan Edwards

"I am deeply disappointed that I will not be competing, particularly as it is at Gateshead," said Edwards, who trains at the north-east venue.

"It has always been an important competition for me.

"But so far this year things have not gone the way I thought they would in competition.

"Now I must concentrate fully on my training over the next few weeks in getting everything back on course for the Olympics."

Edwards: Concerned about his form

"Winning in Sydney is the most important thing for me this year and must take priority over everything else."

The upcoming Olympics are likely to be Edwards' last chance of gold.

Four years ago in Atlanta he could manage only silver despite having jumped further in the past than any of his rivals.

The British team for the two-day Europa Cup meeting is announced on Tuesday. Edwards may not be the only senior British athlete unavailable, with several others keen to focus on Sydney.