Even though he didn’t give himself much chances in a fight for a rainbow jersey, Niki Terpstra still hoped to line up as a part of the strong Dutch national team at World Championships road race in Ponferrada. The 30-year Paris-Roubaix winner learned about missing the final selection on Monday, but despite disappointment accepted a decision made by team coach, Johan Lammerts.

“It’s not an ideal course for me, it’s obvious,” Terpstra told NOS.nl. “We have several riders who could do better on hilly parcours, but I still could have participated in the race in a different role.”

Terpstra was referring to lining up in the event in a supporting role of Bauke Mollema and few other Dutch riders better suited to the course and reportedly he has informed the Dutch coach about such intention some time ago.

“We’ve talked about it two weeks ago and I suggested Johan that I would like to ride in supporting role back then.”

“It was his decision and surely it was well thought out. But still, as a Dutch rider I would like to be a part of the national team.”

In response to that, Lammerts rather predictably stated that his decision has been based on what he thought would be best for the team.

“Specific qualities of the riders combined with course characteristics are decisive when it comes to selecting the team,” Dutch national team coach explained.

Still, the 30-year old Dutchman will appear in Ponferrada as a part of the Omega Pharma – Quick Step roster for TTT.