Fears that Robbie McEwen and Heinrich Haussler might be passed over for selection for the Australian Elite world championship team have been allayed after both riders made it through the second thinning-down of the list to take part in the road race on October 3rd.
The duo, who race for Katusha and Cervélo Test Team respectively, were part of the original 22 man list released at the end of July. That has now been reduced to a long list of fifteen riders. Based on current rankings, Australia is expected to have a final line-up of nine riders in the road race and two in the time trial, although it will be next week before the UCI confirm that.
When in peak form, both riders have the ability to take a worlds title. Haussler won a stage in last year’s Tour de France and took one in this year’s Tour de Suisse, but then crashed two days later and reinjured a troublesome knee. He was forced to miss this year’s Tour. The 26 year old is not just a lightning-quick sprinter; last year, he also finished second in Milan San Remo and the Tour of Flanders, showing that he is capable of coping with undulating courses and can handle Classic distances.
He recently declared for Australia, having previously held a German racing licence.
At 38 years of age, McEwen may be past his absolute peak but the twelve-time Tour de France stage winner cannot be ruled out if a race comes down to a bunch sprint. He has taken three green jerseys and five editions of Paris-Brussels, and showed true grit in finishing this year’s Tour despite injury. He is one of the most experienced riders in the peloton and is confident that he will be in prime form for the worlds.
The next selection for the Elite men’s squad will be made on August 24th, giving both riders a little more time to pick up strong results and thus make a case for their inclusion in the nine-man team. This selection will see the long list reduced further, but it’s uncertain if Cycling Australia will actually finalise the nine-man squad then or just remove more names from those in the running.
Thirteen other strong riders are also in contention for the slots. They are Baden Cooke, Stuart O’Grady and Richie Porte (Saxo Bank), Allan Davis (Astana), current world road race champion Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team), Simon Gerrans, Chris Sutton and Matt Hayman (Team Sky), Wesley Sulzberger (Française des Jeux), plus HTC Columbia team-mates Matt Goss, Adam Hansen, Mark Renshaw and Michael Rogers.
Evans, Porte and Rogers are in contention for the two time trial places.
Cycling Australia also released the likely final selection for the Under 23 men’s road race and time trial. Nick Aitken, Luke Durbridge, Michael Matthews and Malcolm Rudolf (all Team Jayco Skins), Joseph Lewis (Drapac Porsche) and Timothy Roe (Trek – Livestrong) will do the road race, with Durbridge and Matthews to join Rohan Dennis (Team Jayco Skins) on the time trial squad.
Cycling Australia has said that due to a delay in this selection announcement, riders have until next Monday to lodge appeals against non-selection for the 'Cyclones' squad.
The women’s long team will be announced on August 24, with the final selection to be made on September 14. They are likely to field six riders in the road race and two in the time trial, plus the Oceania Champion in each event if selected
The 2010 UCI Road World Championships are being staged in Melbourne and Geelong from September 29 to October 3.