After initially saying he’d be taking part in the Australian men’s road race championship, Robbie McEwen has now said he won’t be at the start line on Sunday. “I made a definite decision last night that I won’t start the nationals in Ballarat,” McEwen said on Wednesday. “I’m still suffering with bronchitis and need to make sure I’m rid of it before the Tour Down Under. I had been leaving my options open until now but there is little point making the trip if I’m not healthy.” Reports about whether the bronchitis was caused by all that hot air McEwen likes to spout are unconfirmed.