While disappointed to miss next month’s European Rowing Championships, Olympic gold medallist Heather Stanning insists it is important she finds top form first.
The 29-year-old, who won pairs gold with Helen Glover at London 2012, only returned to competitive rowing last month, winning the British trials together with the same partner.
But the decision has been made to leave Stanning out of the action in Belgrade as she focuses on recovering from fatigue and is able to return to the top of her game.
Stanning said: "I am clearly disappointed not to be travelling with the team to Belgrade and I wish everyone luck out there.
"I am still training and will focus on the programme I've been set to regain intensity at the very top end of the percentages".
The European Rowing Championships get underway on May 28 but with World Cup races and the World Championships to come over a busy summer, Stanning will not be short of races.
And GB Rowing’s performance director Sir David Tanner insists it was important Stanning is not rushed back into action.
"We have decided to take the pressure off, knock back her training and we think that will open the opportunity for a swift return to top form," he said.
"We are sure that Heather will be back on song soon. We will now consider our options in terms of the open women's squad before finalising the selections for Belgrade."
© Sportsbeat 2014