Cycling web sites carried reports yesterday that Rogers had decided to skip the Tour because he was still not fully fit after his long battle with the Epstein-Barr virus.

The reports were based on comments made by Team High Road head of sporting management Rolf Aldag to German magazine Radsport.

However a Team High Road spokeswoman said yesterday the reports were ''unfounded'' and the result of a miscommunication.

Aldag later told The Canberra Times there had been no decision made on Rogers' participation, although he said there was considerable doubt whether the 28-year-old would ride.

''Michael had a great comeback after nearly one full year of injury and illness,'' Aldag said.

''There is no decision taken on his Tour participation now and will not be till early next week.

''Michael brings great value to the team if he is ready to ride a three week tour.''

Rogers has missed most of the cycling season with the virus, which has struck him for the second time.

The virus causes swollen lymph glands and can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Rogers spent time in Canberra in April recuperating and training, returning to competition in the Dauphine Libere last week where he finished an encouraging 11th.

Aldag said the decision on whether Rogers would ride would largely depend on what effect he felt it would have on his Olympic Games hopes.

A three-time world time trial champion, Rogers is a strong medal chance in the Beijing road race or time trial.

There are only 11 days between the end of the Tour de France and the start of the Beijing cycling program.

''We have to remember that Michael's big season goals are the Olympic games and it would be unfair to squeeze him out in the Tour without a chance to fully recover,'' Aldag said.

''We have to discuss if two smaller stage races in one year are enough basic race kilometres to ride stable in the Tour and perform brilliantly in the Olympics. Michael will be part of that discussion as he has experience as a rider.''

If he was forced to skip the Tour it would rob him of what many considered a prime opportunity to push for a podium finish in his sixth attempt.

He was the virtual Tour leader in the French Alps last year but crashed and was forced to withdraw from the race with a broken collarbone.

His Team High Road announced this week it had secured a naming sponsor to replace German telco T-Mobile. The team will ride as Team Columbia in the July 5-27 race.