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Chris Froome in Britain's squad for World Championships but Mark Cavendish misses out

Chris Froome is getting very familiar with La Vuelta's red jersey
Image: Chris Froome is set to display his skills in Bergen last this month

La Vuelta winner Chris Froome will compete in the time trial at the UCI Road World Championships in Norway next week while the injured Mark Cavendish misses out.

Froome, fresh from completing a Tour de France-Vuelta double in Madrid, 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 in Bergen on Wednesday, September 20 will be contested over a 31-kilometre course which 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 the reigning world time trial champion Tony Martin of Germany.

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 Cavendish in Britain's nine-man squad for the men's road race as the Manxman continues his recovery from the shoulder injury which ended his Tour de France in July, while Geraint Thomas is also absent after a testing season which saw him crash out of both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France.

Great Britain's Mark Cavendish, injured, crosses the finish line after falling
Image: Mark Cavendish has not recovered form injury in time to travel to Norway

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.

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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's head coach Iain Dyer said: "Selection for this year's Road World Championships was a difficult one due to the depth of talent we have in Great Britain across the board, which is a good position to be in.

BRIANCON, FRANCE - JULY 20:  Lizzie Deignan of Great Britain and Boels Dolmans CyclingTeam prepares to ride on the first stage of the 4th La Course by Tour
Image: Lizzie Deignan will be part of the women's team in Bergen

"I'm delighted to see Chris Froome wishing to finish his season in Great Britain Cycling Team colours after another fantastic year for him and I'm looking forward to seeing him in action on a course which suits his strengths.

"Equally, I'm pleased to see Lizzie selected for the women's road race following her recent illness. Lizzie will be supported by a full-strength women's team which is testament to how much women's cycling is growing in this country in general but also the investment we have made in developing our best female road riders."

The World Championships take place from September 17 to 24 in Bergen.

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