Alaphilippe to defend World Title, France reveals stacked lineup for World Championships

France is going to Wollongong with the goal of retaining the rainbow jersey within the nation, and they are taking a strong team with several riders capable of fighting for the medals in the hilly circuit.

After a long and complicated season, Julian Alaphilippe has been confirmed to ride the road race. He is perhaps not coming in with the best form, but being the two-time defending champion he will know best how to race this and the route suits him very well. He has recently abandoned the Vuelta a Espana due to a crash, as crashes and illnesses have hampered his racing this year. Due to this, France should have a team with several wildcards having freedom. Rémi Cavagna and Bruno Armirail will be the two main domestiques, as they will simultaneously be riding the time-trial the week before.

The team will include Christophe Laporte who has been on a tremendous season, however may struggle with the amount of climbing. Florian Sénéchal should also be on a support role, despite being a strong classics rider the route may be too complicated for Alaphilippe's teammate. Quentin Pacher has recently shown great form at the Vuelta a Espana however was forced to abandon in the final week due to a crash, however the hilly route will suit him very well.

The team brings in three more weapons in Valentin Madouas, Romain Bardet and Pavel Sivakov, each of which has shown great results this year and will all be contenders for a medal. France has in their depth a great weapon, which may benefit an aggressive strategy, with several riders who can surprise.

France for men's World Championships Road Race: Bruno Armirail, Julian Alaphilippe, Romain Bardet, Rémi Cavagna, Christophe Laporte, Valentin Madouas, Quentin Pacher, Florian Sénéchal and Pavel Sivakov.

France for men's World Championships Individual Time-Trial: Bruno Armirail and Rémi Cavagna. world cham