No Lysacek for figure skating's 2011 GP series

Reigning Olympic champion Evan Lysacek won't compete in figure skating's 2011 Grand Prix Series which starts next week at Skate America, according to US Figure Skating. Lysacek hasn't competed since he won gold in Vancouver in 2010, but has said he would like to defend his title at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. He teamed up with coach Frank Carroll in May to pursue that goal, and had been tentatively assigned to compete at Skate America in Ontario, California, next week and at the Trophee Eric Bompard. "We respect Evan’s decision," US Figure Skating Executive Director David Raith said on Friday. "We will continue to support Evan as he works toward the 2014 Olympic Winter Games." US Figure Skating didn't give a reason for Lysacek's decision. The skater indicated on Twitter that it had nothing to do with his preparations, which he said were going well. "I regret to inform that I am withdrawing from the 2011 Grand Prix Series," Lysacek said on his website. "I am extremely trained and eager to compete at Skate America, but a suitable agreement could not be reached between US Figure Skating and myself by the event entry deadline. "I'm extremely disappointed in this turn of events, butaz I hope to be back on competitive ice this season."With Lysacek out of the picture, US Figure Skating Friday said they had selected Douglas Razzano to compete at Skate America, where he'll make his Grand Prix debut.