"I have some demands and there are few who didn't meet them" - Gerben de Knegt plans to bring a reduced selection for World Championships in Tábor

The Netherlands will not start with a fill up all eight of their guaranteed spots for World Championships in Tábor. According to national team coach Gerben de Knegt, there aren't enough riders on the level he'd like to see, he explains to WielerFlits.

"The selection will only be announced after Hoogerheide. I have some demands on paper and the World Cup is part of that, so Hoogerheide is the last chance for some to show something," De Knegt emphasizes. "I have had a selection requirement on paper for years and that is not a very strict requirement in my opinion: riding top 16 twice in the World Cup. There are a few who didn't make it."

"I have had excellent contact with all the riders for years, but I do think that if you go to a World Championships with pros, then you should be able to aim for a good result," he makes it clear that 'to just participate' is not enough for the Dutch coach.

Six men have so far met that requirement. Mathieu van der Poel is automatically qualified as the reigning world champion. In addition, Lars van der Haar, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Pim Ronhaar, Ryan Kamp and Corné van Kessel have met the requirement. Thus they can prepare for the trip to Czech Republic at the beginning of February.