Thorpe cancels European comeback

Thorpe has been out of action since the Commonwealth Games Trials in January

Five-time Olympic champion Ian Thorpe has delayed his return to competition by pulling out of next month's Mare Nostrum Series in Monaco.

The Australian superstar, 23, missed the Commonwealth Games in March through illness and then broke his hand.

"Ian's health and his hand are coming along well," said Australia head coach Alan Thompson.

"But we feel he's not quite ready to race yet and he'll dedicate all his time to regaining full fitness."

The three-meet series from 3 June was to be Thorpe's first competition since the Commonwealth Games Trials last January where he won the 100m and 200m freestyle events.

A virus then forced him out of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games before he broke his hand in an accident at his Sydney home.

"After talking it over with his coach Tracey (Menzies), Ian has decided that he will be better served staying in Sydney and training over the next couple of weeks," added Thompson in a Swimming Australia statement.

Despite his withdrawal from the European tour, Thompson says Thorpe is determined to be ready for the trials for next year's Fina World Championships in Melbourne.

"Ian assures me he is committed to being at his best for the Australian Championships in Brisbane in December, which are doubling as the selection trials for next year's World Championships," he said.