Froome trial
CHRIS FROOME will compete in the time trial at the UCI Road World Championships in Norway next week.
Froome, having just completed a rare Tour de France-Vuelta a Espana double on Sunday, will not take part in the road race in Bergen. But he will take one of Britain’s two places in the time trial, with reigning British champion Steve Cummings getting the other.
The men’s time trial a week today will be contested over a 31km course that features one significant climb up Mount Floyen at the finish.
Froome’s main rivals are expected to be Giro d’Italia winner Tom Dumoulin of Holland and Germany’s Tony Martin, the defending champion.
Froome, who took bronze in the Olympic time trial in Rio last year, also intends to ride in the team time trial – contested by trade teams – for Team Sky.
There is no space for Mark Cavendish in Britain’s nine-man squad for the men’s road race as the Manxman continues his recovery from the shoulder injury that ended his Tour de France in July, while Geraint Thomas is also absent after a testing season in which he crashed out of both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.
Instead, the team will feature two Olympic gold medallists on the track – Owain Doull and Pete Kennaugh – along with Adam Blythe, Mark Christian, Jon Dibben, Tao Geoghegan Hart, Ian Stannard, Ben Swift and Scott Thwaites.
Former world champion Lizzie Deignan is fit to lead the women’s team following an appendectomy, and will be supported by Hannah and Alice Barnes, Elinor Barker, Dani King, Mel Lowther and Hayley Simmonds. Hannah Barnes and Barker will contest the individual time trial.
British Cycling head coach Iain Dyer said: “Selection was a difficult one due to the depth of talent we have across the board, which is a good position to be in.
“I’m delighted to see Chris wishing to finish his season in GB colours after another fantastic year for him and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action on a course that suits his strengths.”