Feillu recovers in time from fractured collarbone to have a shot at the rainbow jersey
The selector of the French national cycling team, Laurent Jalabert, has called on the experience of Sylvain Chavanel (Quick-Step), and Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) for the world road race championships at the end of the month. Voeckler in particular has had an outstanding season with eight victories along with a fine fourth place finish in the Tour de France.
Chavanel, the current French national champion has also showed some good shape recently at the Vuelta a España where he lead the race for several days. Should the event come down to the expected bunch sprint, the two men will more than likely look to guide Romain Feillu (Vacansoleil -DCM) to a gold medal. The small French sprinter has had his best season to date in the professional ranks with eight victories, but worried the selectors when he fractured his collarbone in the Tour de Poland in August.
However, he has recovered quickly and showed some good form by finishing seventh in the GP de Fourmies at the weekend.
Playing a supporting role will be Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis), Yoann Offredo (FDJ), Blel Kadri (AG2R-La Mondiale) Tony Gallopin (Cofidis), Anthony Ravard (AG2R-La Mondiale) and Anthony Roux (FDJ).
Ravard earned his call up by finishing third in Paris – Brussels on Saturday and will be a key player for the French team as he’s also had an outstanding season. He recently won stage three in the Tour du Poitou-Charentes, his third victory this year.
Jérémie Galland (Saur-Sojasun) and Christophe Riblon (AG2R-La Mondiale) have been named as the reserves for the event.
The last Frenchman to win the world championships was Laurent Brochard in 1997.
French team for the World championships (Elite men):
Sylvain Chavanel (Quick-Step), Thomas Voeckler (Europcar), Romain Feillu (Vacansoleil-DCM), Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis), Yoann Offredo (FDJ), Blel Kadri (AG2R-La Mondiale) Tony Gallopin (Cofidis), Anthony Ravard (AG2R-La Mondiale) and Anthony Roux (FDJ)