Bc unveils
Worlds longlist
Matt Brammeier, British Cycling’s Academy coach and head directeur sportif for the elite men’s road squad, has revealed the eight-man team for this month’s World Championships will consist of a predominantly climbing outfit to tackle the tough parcours in Austria.
“After going to look at the course, it’s obvious to see we are going to need a strong climbing group,” said the recently retired Irishman.
The hilly Innsbruck course consists of 4,670 metres of climbing for the elite men and 2,413 metres for the elite women.
“It’s all going to be decided on that final climb and descent,” said Brammeier. “There are the obvious contenders with the Yateses, Geraint and Froomey, who know if they are in the shape at these major events then they’ll be going for it on that last lap.”
One notable omission from the longlist was Harry Tanfield in the men’s elite time trial, having taken second places in the Commonwealth Games and national time trial championships this season. Brammeier implied that the main reason behind the Canyon-eisberg’s rider exclusion was a five-kilometre climb in the middle of the 52km time trial course. “It’s a lot harder than we first imagined,” he explained.
“That climb in the middle is pretty tough and I think it’s going to swing more towards the guys who can climb pretty good as well.”
The final selection date is set for Monday September 10.