Michael Matthews leads Australia's pursuit of rainbow at World championships

Australia have revealed the riders it will have represent it's colours at the World championsips and it will be a lineup lead by Team BikeExchange - Jayco's Michael Matthews in the hilly Wollongong circuit.

After his win in Mende at the Tour de France, Matthews has shown his best form and the level needed to have the confidence from the team. Although Jai Hindley, Ben O'Connor and Luke Plapp are all quality climbers, the terrain should be too explosive for the trio and they will be riding towards the common goal. Simon Clarke and Nick Schultz provide good coverage for the aggressive racing, but it would be difficult to see them in the battle for a gold medal. Plapp will also be riding the time-trial, with Rohan Dennis missing out on the race due to unspecified family issues.

The selection was expected to include Caleb Ewan, but the Lotto Soudal sprinter was left out. Questions over his form and climbing capacity were likely the main reason, as the team looks to provide support to Matthews in the search for a rainbow jersey. Luke Durbridge and Heinrich Haussler complete the support lineup.

In the women's field Australia will also have a strong lineup leading the host country's colours, with the likes of Amanda Spratt, Alexandra Manly and Grace Brown between the many contenders for the road race.

Australia for men's Elite Road Race World championships: Simon Clarke, Luke Durbridge, Heinrich Haussler, Jai Hindley, Michael Matthews, Ben O'Connor, Luke Plapp and Nick Schultz.

Australia for women's Elite Road Race World championships: Georgia Baker, Grace Brown, Brodie Chapman, Alexandra Manly, Sarah Roy, Amanda Spratt and Josie Talbot.