VETERAN cyclist Jason White has backed his close friend Alex Dowsett to bounce back from the disappointment of missing out on a place at this year’s Tour de France.

Dowsett, from Maldon, was not picked as part of Movistar’s nine-man team for the three week race, with a statement citing ‘respiratory issues’ as the reason for his absence.

White regularly trains with Dowsett and Basildon professional Russell Hampton on the roads of Essex.

“He deserves a go and he will be back stronger than ever,” said White. “Saying that, I am not sure if Alex was ever the right man to pick for a three-week tour. He is all about the time-trials and Movistar is a team that traditionally looks to do its best work in the mountains.

“Saying that, it is desperately unfortunate for him to miss out. He would have loved to have given it a go but the team has to think of the bigger picture and Alex knows that.

“Alex will be straight back on the bike and there is still the Vuelta a España this year. He could be chosen for that race as he hasn’t made the cut for this Tour and he is a real team player.

“He was always going to have it tough against Sir Bradley Wiggins in the British Championships but a few results and he will be back.”