Cycling: From September 17th to 24th the 84th UCI Road World Championships will take place in Bergen, Norway. The first nations have now announced their nominations, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Also present: John Degenkolb, Tony Martin & Stefan Küng.
Degenkolb a hot candidate - if he is fit
After the understandable cancellations of Marcel Kittel (Quick-Step Floors) and André Greipel (Lotto Soudal), the German Cyclists' Association can rely on John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo) at the Road World Championships in Bergen. The hilly sprinter sees a good chance of a medal in this undulating terrain. How fit Degenkolb will be is uncertain as he recently had to retire from the Vuelta due to bronchitis. Sports director Patrick Moster sees no reason for a reaction: “He is on the right track and there is still some time. At the moment we see no reason to change our concept with him at the helm.”
Realistic medal chances for Germany
In addition to John Degenkolb, the BDR has also nominated Emanuel Buchmann (Bora-hansgrohe) and the German champion Marcus Burghardt (Bora-hangrohe). Nico Denz (Ag2r), who has just retired from the Vuelta, will also be on the grid, as will Simon Geschke and Nikias Arndt of German team Sunweb. Paul Martens (Lotto-NLJumbo), Jasha Sütterlin (Movistar) as well as Rick Zabel and Nils Politt (Katusha-Alpecin) complete the squad of professionals. Johannes Fröhlinger (Sunweb) and Christoph Pfingsten (Bora-hansgrohe) were named as substitute drivers. In the time trial, the BDR naturally relies on series world champion Tony Martin (Katusha-Alpecin). Arndt, Politt and Sütterlin do a double start and take part in both the road race and the time trial. The nomination of editor Florian Nowak (Hermann Radteam) for the U23 squad is particularly pleasing for Velomotion. Here he will drive alongside Lennard Kämna (Sunweb), among others.
Switzerland & Austria want to surprise
The neighboring German countries of Switzerland and Austria will not send a bad group to the start either. Lukas Pöstlberger (Bora-hansgrohe) and Riccardo Zoidl (Team Felbermayr Simplon Wels) try to do their best for Austria in the time trial. In the road race, alongside Giro stage winner Pöstlberger, you build on Marco Haller (Katusha-Alpecin) and Gregor Mühlberger (Bora-hansgrohe). After the end of Fabian Cancellara's career, the Swiss are still hoping for a medal, especially in the time trial. With Stefan Küng (BMC), the Swiss have a real candidate for victory in their own ranks. Reto Hollenstein (Katusha-Alpecin) will also start alongside him in the fight against the clock. Michael Albasini (Orica-Scott) is the road racing captain. He is supported by Küng, Silvan Dillier (BMC), Fabian Lienhard (Vorarlberg), Grégory Rast (Trek-Segafredo) and Michael Schär (BMC).
Congratulations to Michael Albasini on being selected to represent Switzerland at the #Bergen2017 road world championships in September! 🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/pktpJqf2Yes
— ORICA SCOTT (@OricaScott) August 23, 2017