Spanish national team coach Javier Minguez has published his final selection for the upcoming World Championships held in Ponferrada, Spain. Last year’s silver and bronze medalists are expected to lead the formidable nine-man roster, while Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo), Samuel Sanchez (BMC Racing) and Mikel Nieve (Team Sky) have to be regarded most surprising absentees in the squad.

Unsurprisingly, Movistar riders dominate in the Spanish national team for World Championships road race, as no less then five of them made the final selection: Alejandro Valverde, Ion Izagirre, Jesus Herrada, Imanol Erviti and Jonathan Castroviejo. The nine-man roster will be completed by Joaquim Rodriguez and Daniel Moreno (Katusha), Luis Leon Sanchez (Caja Rural) and Daniel Navarro (Cofidis).

In addition to this, Markel Irizar (Trek Factory Racing) and Jonathan Castroviejo were selected to represent Spain in the individual time trial.

As absence of such riders as Alberto Contador, Samuel Sanchez or Mikel Nieve in the squad immediately raised some controversies, Minguez commented on difficult choices he was forced to make.

“Samuel has made a sensational return so it’s obviously a big shame. Being forced to make such decision made me sad,” Minguez told Biciciclismo.  

“It’s a big shame that Contador will not make the start because he’s definitely number one and in great shame. However, the decision was up to him, regardless of my own preferences.”

Spanish national team coach also explained visible dominance of Movistar riders in the squad.

“I haven’t chosen them because they ride for Movistar, but simply because Movistar has the best riders.”

Spanish squad for the 2014 World Championships

Road race: Alejandro Valverde, Ion Izagirre, Jesus Herrada, Imanol Erviti, Jonathan Castroviejo, Joaquim Rodriguez, Daniel Moreno, Daniel Navarro, Luis Leon Sanchez

Individual time trial: Markel Irizar, Jonathan Castroviejo