The American selections for the upcoming Road World Championships in Rwanda (September 21-28) have now been announced. What immediately stands out: Matteo Jorgenson, Brandon McNulty, Neilson Powless, and Sepp Kuss will not be traveling to the Worlds. Quinn Simmons and Magnus Sheffield will be part of the team.
With Jorgenson, McNulty, and Powless absent, three very important riders and potential medal contenders are missing. Especially one-day specialist Powless has been a consistent presence in the World Championship finals in recent years, while McNulty played a key role in the Tokyo Olympic road race, now four years ago.
In the absence of these top riders, the focus is now mainly on Magnus Sheffield and the reigning American champion Quinn Simmons. Will Barta, Kevin Vermaerke, Luke Lamperti, and Larry Warbasse also make up the roster for the road race. Barta and Sheffield will also compete in the individual Worlds time trial.
No Faulkner, but Dygert
On the elite women's side, we won’t be following Kristen Faulkner’s efforts. The current Olympic road champion — who had to abandon the recent Tour de France Femmes — is not participating in Rwanda. Two-time ITT world champion Chloe Dygert and Ruth Edwards will compete, racing both the time trial and the road race.
