Tour de France star Julian Dean has been named among a long list squad to be considered for selection for next month’s UCI World Road Cycling Championships in Copenhagen.
BikeNZ have named five elite men from which a maximum three spots are available for the road race, over 17 laps and 266kms of a mostly flat course that is expected to suit the sprinters.
Dean, the two-time national champion, completed his seventh Tours de France this year earning a spot on the final podium with his Garmin Cervelo emerging as leading team.
The rest of the long list squad in elite men comprises Pro Tour riders Greg Henderson (Team Sky) and Jesse Sergent (Radioshack), and Pro Continental cyclists Jack Bauer (Endura Racing) and Jeremy Vennell (Team Bissell).
There are two places also available for the time trial.
Two-time world champion medallist Linda Villumsen (AA Drink-Leontien.nl), the Swedish-based pro tour team, is the only rider currently nominated for the elite women.
Four riders have also been selected for the Men’s Under-23 squad with three spots available for the road race, with two places open for the time trial.
“We are delighted that Julian Dean has put his hand up for selection for the World Championships. The course at Copenhagen should suit Julian’s sprinting skills,” said Bike NZ’s Road Director Sportif, Andy Reid.
“There has been plenty of interest from riders to be considered for selection for the World Championships. Obviously we expect that Julian will be the leader of this team and we will be looking at the make-up of the other riders to provide the best possible support for Julian.
“We have taken into consideration performances during the year, athlete’s access to high level competition in the build up to the world championships and riders’ current form.”
Reid said with the BikeNZ female endurance track cyclists not considered, as they prepare towards their campaign for Olympic track selection, Villumsen was the standout in the women’s ranks.
“Linda has won a bronze medal in the time trial at each of the last two world championships and is performing week in and week out at the highest level in Europe.
“Several other leading candidates like Rushlee Buchanan, Jo Kiesanowski and Alison Shanks are all involved in the track programme while the national road champion, Cath Cheatley is still recovering from injury.
“We have two riders competing in the Holland Ladies Tour and we will evaluate their form next week to determine if they are riding at a level that could provide support for Linda.”
The four riders named in the long list squad for under-23 selection include James Williamson (Pure Black, Alexandra), George Bennett (Trek Livestrong, Nelson), Tom David (UCS Crabbe Performance, Auckland) and Jason Christie (NZ U23, Ashburton).
“We have three spots available for the road race and two for the time trial for the Under-23s and will make a final selection for the time trial following the UCI 1.2 category Chrono Champenois in France in two weeks as a final guide.
“Overall we believe we will have strong representation for the World Championships when we confirm the final line-ups at pre race registration.”
The long list squads are: Elite men (3 road, 2 time trial available): Julian Dean Garmin Cervelo), Greg Henderson (Team Sky), Jack Bauer (Endura Racing), Jesse Sergent (Radioshack), Jeremy Vennell (Team Bissell).
Elite women (3 road, 2 time trial available): Linda Villumsen (AA Drink-Leontien.nl). (one or two riders may be added).
U23 Men (3 Road, 2 time trial available): James Williamson (Pure Black, Alexandra), George Bennett (Trek Livestrong, Nelson), Jason Christie (NZ U23, Ashburton), Tom David (UCS Crabbe Performance, Auckland)
Confirmed team for Junior Under-19, men: James Oram (Auckland, road and time trial), Fraser Gough (Havelock North, road and time trial), Dion Smith (Auckland, road), Alex Frame (Christchurch, road), Hayden McCormick (Te Awamutu, road).
Junior women: Georgia Williams (Auckland, time trial and road), Sophie Williamson (Alexandra, road).
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
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