Portuguese cyclist Sergio Paulinho, a silver medallist at the 2004 Athens Games, will miss the Beijing road race due to health problem, said Portuguese Cycling Federation (PCF) on its website on Tuesday.

According to PCF, Paulinho is suffering from allergies, and it was too late to place a replacement, which means Portugal will not be represented in the road race.

Paulinho's withdrawing from the Olympics was confirmed by Philippe Maertens, spokesman of Astana team that the Portuguese signed in two years ago with a four-year contract.

"Sergio is not in super form at the moment. With his allergy, his not amazing current condition, it is better if he stays at home. The team needs him in top shape in the Vuelta race," Maertens said.

The men's Olympic road race will be held on Aug. 9, one day after the opening ceremony.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)