British Cycling performance director Sir Dave Brailsford insists Great Britain’s squad is in strong shape after confirming the elite men and women riders for the Road World Championships in Italy.
Great Britain will be able to boast two Tour de France winners in their ranks in Toscana, with this year’s winner Chris Froome and 2012 victor Sir Bradley Wiggins called upon for the competition, which runs from September 22-29.
The duo are part of a strong looking men’s road race team that will also see Mark Cavendish, Steve Cummings, Josh Edmondson, Ian Stannard, Geraint Thomas and Jon Tiernan Locke compete, while Wiggins is joined by Alex Dowsett in the time trial.
In the women’s race, Lizzie Armitstead will be joined by current junior world champion Lucy Garner plus Katie Colclough and Nikki Harris, while Emma Pooley has declined her place on the squad to focus on her PhD studies – a decision supported by British Cycling.
“We’ve now been able to make our final selections for both the elite men’s and women’s road races, and I’m pleased with the teams we’ve entered,” said Brailsford, who will wait until after the Tour of Britain to confirm the Under-23 contingent.
“Both Bradley and Alex have shown great time trial form this season and I know both of the guys are up for this competition.
“Looking at the men’s road race team, we have real strength and depth in the team, and it’s a real boost for us to have two Tour de France winners in there along with high-calibre support from the likes of Cav, Geraint, Steve and Ian.
"I’m looking forward to seeing what Lizzie can do out on the worlds course given her great form at the minute, and I’m confident that Lucy, Katie and Nikki can give her the support she needs.”
© Sportsbeat 2013