The owners of Trek World Racing, 23 Degrees Sports Management, have confirmed today that 2 Time Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Liam Killeen (GBR) has submitted his resignation from the team, effective December 31 this year.

Liam, who has been battling a recurring back injury throughout the 2009 season, has decided that he needs to take a year off from top level competitive racing in order to focus on his complete rehabilitation. Despite some solid performances during 2009, including the successful defense of his national title, it was very clear that the back injury was preventing Liam from racing at his best at World Cup level, a situation he has found increasingly difficult.

Speaking on his decision Liam said:

"This year has been frustrating for me. I have not lost my motivation for racing but I need to focus on recovering from injury. It would not be fair to commit to the team for 2010 in these circumstances. I wish Trek World Racing all the best for the coming season."

Team owner Martin Whiteley, who has worked with Liam since 2000, said:

"Naturally we are very disappointed for Liam. He didn't have the year he wanted, and it was clear to all of us that his frustration was not going to subside until he was able to address the injury. This is the wisest decision he could have made and I know that my company, and out title sponsor Trek, are fully supportive of Liam's decision. We wish him all the best."

Trek World Racing ended their debut season ranked number 5 in the XC Team rankings. The two other XC riders on the team, Lukas and Mathias Flueckiger will be joined by a new team member for 2010, to be confirmed in due course.