"He's the man to beat" - Pogacar main favourite for time-trial world championships according to absentee Filippo Ganna

The World Championships are often the gathering of the world's best riders, in an attempt to fight for a rainbow jersey that would make the career of any rider. This year is somewhat of an exception, as multiple-time winner Filippo Ganna won't travel to Rwanda and try to surprise in a course made for the climbers. He has named Tadej Pogacar over Remco Evenepoel as the man to beat this Sunday.

"It's always nice to smell the blue (the colour of the Italian national jersey, ed.), but today I'm here to accompany Matteo [Sobrero] and to offer my moral support to the guys. I won't be at the World Championships for obvious reasons, but I'm working hard to prepare for the European Championships," Ganna said in words to TuttoBiciWeb, confirming his absence in an event that announced the names present at the race.

Ganna has opted out of the race taking into consideration its very difficult route, featuring four climbs and a course that takes place at around 1500 meters of altitude with heat being a factor at play too. It is not realistic that Ganna could battle the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel who are set to fight for the gold medal. Even a bronze medal would be a tough ask for the Italian, whilst the road race in no way fits his abilities.

However Ganna surprisingly doesn't point at Remco Evenepoel to be the man to beat in Kigali, a rider who has defeated Ganna on many occasions. "The national team for the World Championships can count on many riders who have competed in a very tough Vuelta, so they'll certainly be in ideal condition for the challenge. A prediction? Pogacar has proven to be in great shape; he's the man to beat, but there will certainly be plenty of opponents, and we hope there will also be some Italians to put up a fight..."