The Norwegian team for the world road race championships has been selected and consists of last year's runner-up Edvald Boasson Hagen, Lars Petter Nordhaug and former world champion Thor Hushovd. Olympic bronze medalist Alexander Kristoff has been omitted from the selection.

At a press conference earlier today, the Norwegian team for the world championships was announced, and it was no surprise that the three spots were awarded to last year's runner-up Edvald Boasson Hagen, Lars Petter Nordhaug and former world champion Thor Hushovd.

"It was very easy to select Lars Petter Nordhaug for this kind of course. We were a bit more eager to see whether Edvald Boasson Hagen will get into his best form following his Tour de France injury," national selector Stig Kristiansen sais according to Procycling.no.

Hence, there was no room for Alexander Kristoff. The Olympic bronze medalist has had a fantastic season and been the most successful Norwegian but Kristiansen is convinced that he is no longer in his best condition and that the course is a bit too hard for the Katusha rider.

"We forecast three possible scenarios. The first one is that the best climbers ride hard from the beginning to drop the fastest riders. Even though the course is not for the sprinters, Chris Froome doesn't want to sprint against Thor Hushovd. Lars Petter Nordhaug is a strong climber and will survive for a long time," Kristiansen said.

Another scenario is a more cautious race. "In that case, we have Edvald Boasson Hagen. He is very fast in a small group and knows how to pick the right breakaway. If all three riders are present in a 40-rider group in the finale, we will set up Thor Hushovd for the sprint," Kristiansen told Procycling.no.

No Norwegian riders will race the time trial.

The Norwegian team for the world championships road race

Edvald Boasson Hagen, Lars Petter Nordhaug and Thor Hushovd