Spain, New Zealand announce long-list for World Championships
The UCI Road World Championships is the main end-season goal for many cyclists, but it’s up to their home country to decide if they get to race or not. Spain and New Zealand announced their long lists for the selection today as enthusiasm rises for the event that will be held at the end of the month in Geelong, Australia.
Alberto Contador is notably absent from the 21-rider Spanish list, compiled by national cycling coach Jose Luis de Santos. He had dropped out of competition after his victory at the Tour de France, but speculation had circulated that he would return for the Worlds. “He told me that he would rather not extend his season, but would prefer to prepare for next year," said de Santos.
Oscar Freire is a favourite to lead the team in the Elite Men’s Road Race, held on October 3. De Santos said he will wait until the end of the Vuelta to make it official, in case any harm comes to the rider in the meantime. Spanish national time-trial champion, Luis Leon Sanchez, is the favourite for the Elite Men’s time-trial. Samuel Sanchez has passed on competing in the Vuelta, but is targeting the Worlds. “He has a different season and after the Tour, could not hold his form for the Vuelta,” said de Santos. “He's doing another race calendar, and if he is well, I will take him.”
New Zealand announced their list, including Julian Dean, Greg Henderson and Hayden Roulston.
“This is probably the strongest team overall that we have ever selected for the Road World Championships with potential medal opportunities,” said director Andy Reid. “The selectors decided on a squad of six as our riders are still competing in a number of high profile races around the world and as we have seen at the Vuelta a Espana with Julian, injuries can occur in this sport.”
The national women’s team will be led by Linda Villumsen and Cath Cheatley, champion of the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar.
Reid added, “It was particularly challenging selecting the team because we have such a strong group of riders starting to come through as well as proven performers on the world stage.”
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