Paris (AFP)

The French Cycling Federation (FFC) unveiled on Wednesday a pre-selection of 13 riders for the road race of the Worlds-2020 which will take place from September 24 to 27 in Imola, Italy).

"Eight male holders will be appointed after the Tour de France from the pre-selection," said the FFC.

In this list of 13 pre-selected, twelve of whom are taking part or have taken part in the Tour de France 2020, unsurprisingly appear Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck) who will be the leader of the Blues on the Imola track.

"I really want to finish this Tour well, but the main objective is not to end up too tired, keeping in mind everything that will follow behind, the Worlds and the classics", declared Monday Alaphilippe, ephemeral yellow jersey and winner of the 2nd stage of the Tour.

In difficulty since the start of the Tour and his fall during the 1st stage, Thibaut Pinot could play the role of joker, even if he declared on Monday that he did not want to "take another's place" in the selection, he who had made the Worlds one of the goals of his season.

Vice-world champion 2018, Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale), victim of a concussion following a fall during the 13th stage of the Tour de France, was however not selected by coach Thomas Voeckler.

For the time trial scheduled for September 25, he selected Rémi Cavagna (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) and Benjamin Thomas (Groupama FDJ).

Initially planned for Martigny in Switzerland, the rainbow race has been relocated due to the coronavirus pandemic, on the Imola racing circuit.

The French selection for the Worlds-2020:

GENTLEMEN

Road race (pre-selection): Julian Alapaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick-Step), Warren Barguil (Arkea-Samsic), Julien Bernard (Trek-Segafredo), Kenny Elissonde (Trek-Segafredo), Valentin Madouas (Groupama FDJ), Guillaume Martin (Cofidis Solutions Crédit), Rudy Molard (Groupama FDJ), Quentin Pacher (B&B Hotels Vital Concept), Pierre Luc Perichon (Cofidis Solutions Crédit), Nans Peters (AG2R La Mondiale), Thibaut Pinot (Groupama FDJ), Pierre Rolland (B&B Hotels Vital Concept), Alexis Vuillermoz (AG2R La Mondiale).

Time trial: Rémi Cavagna (Deceuninck-Quick-Step), Benjamin Thomas (Groupama FDJ)

LADIES

Road race: Audrey Cordon Ragot (Trek-Segafredo), Juliette Labous (Team Sunweb), Sandra Levenez (Team Arkea), Victorie Guilman (FDJ N. Aquitaine Futuroscope) and Evita Muzic (FDJ N. Aquitaine Futuroscope)

Time trial: Audrey Cordon Ragot (Trek-Segafredo), Juliette Labous (Sunweb)

© 2020 AFP