With just over a month to the start of the UCI Road World Championships in Bergen, the team allocations have been decided, with Belgium, Spain, Great Britain, Italy and the home nation Norway among the teams who have secured a maximum of nine riders for the menīs events. The USA, Ireland and Slovakia, the team of defending champion Peter Sagan, will be able to take six riders to the Worlds. Other teams that have secured the maximum number of riders in the elite menīs competition are Colombia, France, Australia, the Netherlands and Germany. Last season, Germany missed out on the opportunity to take nine riders, but big points hauls from Marcel Kittel and John Degenkolb have helped to propel them back into the top 10 of the UCI`s nations ranking. Denmark, Luxembourg and Russia have qualified for six places, while New Zealand, Austria and Canada have three spots in the road race. Dan Martinīs 11th place in the individual standings has played a large part in Ireland getting six spots for the Worlds. Alexander Kristoffīs European Championships and RideLondon wins helped to hold off a late surge from Poland and Michal Kwiatkowski to ensure the maximum riders in their home event.ADVERTISEMENT In the womenīs competition, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, the USA and Great Britain have been allocated the maximum number of seven riders. Britain scraped through, sitting fifth in the nations rankings just 45 points ahead of Poland. Belgium and Poland, along with defending champions Denmark, Germany and Canada, will be allowed to take six riders. Home nation Norway has enjoyed a good season with some strong performances coming from Hitec Products and will be allowed to take five riders, up from the three they had last year, as will France, Spain and South Africa. Sweden, Cuba and Russia are among those that have earned the right to bring five riders to Bergen. The qualification system The qualification system is a little more straightforward than in previous seasons. ...
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