Purchase to sit out rest of rowing season

Zac Purchase will sit out the rest of the 2009 season in order to fully recover from a viral infection he contracted in March.

His medical support team within GB Rowing, the coaches and the performance director all believe it is the best thing for the Marlow rower.

"The virus left me feeling a little low and I haven't been able to train fully since," said the lightweight double scull Olympic champion.

"I'm totally fixed on delivering in 2012 and, for me, it makes sense to stand aside for a little while. It's frustrating but it's just one of those things."

Performance director David Tanner said: "We all agree that the priority for Zac is London 2012.

"With that longer-term goal in mind, it makes complete sense for us to look to the 2010 season and there is no pressure to come back quickly".

Purchase will sit out the season's remaining two World Cups and the World Championships in August.