Philip Deignan’s participation in the 2013 elite world road race championships appear to be very unlikely following a crash in the time trial at the Tour of Britain today.

The UnitedHealthcare rider hit the deck approximately four kilometres from the finish and fractured his collarbone. He will undergo surgery on Thursday and unless the fracture is a hairline crack, it is likely his place alongside Dan Martin and Nicolas Roche will be filled by another rider.

Ireland will field a four-man squad in the race, with the final places to be determined.

Meanwhile Sam Bennett (An Post Chainreaction Sean Kelly) was the best Irish finisher in today's time trial, finishing 22nd behind the winner Bradley Wiggins of Sky. Martin was 26th and is 17th overall, one minute 38 seconds off yellow.