The 32-year-old Swiss rider, who qualified automatically for the event by taking gold in Atlanta, told his national cycling federation he would not compete.
He gave no reason for his decision but said he still planned to compete in the Paris-Tours World Cup race on Sunday.
Richard, the winner of this year's Liege-Bastogne-Liege classic, complained recently he felt tired and worn out.
``I must compete in every imaginable race,'' he said. ``They are imposed upon me.''
Who is the fastest man on twoo wheels ? This Question will get answered by "La Legende du Velo". The current 1 h - World - Record - Holder Chris Boardman (GB), the former Record Holder Tony Rominger (SUI), Graham Obree and the 1995 World - Champion Abraham Olano (SP) will all try hard to win this innoficial Title
At the same time Olympic Champion Jeannie Longo (FRA) and Marion Clignet (FRA) will try to break the existing World - Records over 10 km, resp. 3 Kilometers. Jens Fidler (GER) will attack the 500 Meter World - Record.
Beside the Trak "Piste Tony Rominger" a impressive Group of "Legends du Velo" will come together. Names like Miguel Indurain, Alex Zulle, Eddy Merckx, Pascal Richard, Gianni Bugno, Francesco Moser or Ferdy Kobler - the list contains more than 20 of the finest Names in Cycling - will ensure that the Eyes of every Cycling - Fan will be targeted to Geneva on October 29th. (71 World Titles, 8 Olympic Titels, 23 Victorys in Tour de France, 13 in Giro d'Italy, 8 in Vuelta d'Espagna and 6 One -Hour - Recors)
Live via Internet
Already the "La Legende du Velo" is sold out. For local People Swiss Television will cover the Event on Chanel 4. In addition to this the entire Event will be covered Live on the Web and be available worldwide: