Chris Horner and Tejay van Garderen will spearhead the American roster for the world championships road race on the hilly course in Florence. Taylor Phinney and Andrew Talansky have been selected for the time trial.

USA has become the second major nation to select its roster for the world championships following yesterday's announcement of the Dutch line-up. The country will put their faith in a combination of youth and experience as Chris Horner and Tejay van Garderen will spearhead the team.

USA was left disappointed when the spots for the world championships road race were allocated. The country was placed outside the top 10 on the WorldTour rankings and will only be allowed to enter 7 riders in the race compared to the maximum 9.

However, the Americans have selected a team with plenty of potential. Horner is currently leading the Vuelta and at 41 years of age finds himself in the form of his life. Van Garderen recently crushed the opposition in the USA Pro Challenge and will use the Canadian WorldTour races to finalize his preparation.

The duo will be surrounded by a number of climbers on the hilly course. Andrew Talansky recently finished 10th in his debut Tour de France and has been selected to the race. Another young Garmin climber, Peter Stetina, who will join BMC next year will be another valuable asset in the mountains.

Young Alex Howes who is currently racing his debut Vuelta will be the third Garmin rider on the roster while Fred Rodriguez was an automatic nomination due to his win in the American national championships. The team is completed by Taylor Phinney who is likely to play a support role on the mountainous course.

Phinney will get his own chance in the time trial where he hopes to improve on last year's 2nd place. Compared to last year's hilly course in Limburg, the flat route in Florence suits him much better. Talansky will be the second American in the race against the clock.

Recent Tour of Utah winner Tom Danielson had automatically qualified for the event by finishing 4th in the Tour de Romandie but declined his start.

American team for the world championships road race:

Tejay van Garderen, Chris Horner, Andrew Talansky, Alex Howes, Peter Stetina, Fred Rodriguez and Taylor Phinney

American team for the world championships time trial:

Taylor Phinney and Andrew Talansky