New Zealand's Tour de France star Julian Dean has been named among a large squad to be considered for selection for next month's World Road Cycling Championships in Copenhagen.
Bike NZ has named five elite men to contest the maximum three spots available for the 266 kilometres road race on a mostly flat course that is expected to suit the sprinters.
Dean, the two-time national champion, completed his seventh Tours de France this year earning a spot on the final podium with his Garmin Cervelo as the leading team.
The other in the squad are Greg Henderson, Jesse Sergent, Jack Bauer, and Jeremy Vennell.
There are two places also available for the time trial.
Two-time world champion medallist Linda Villumsen, is the only rider currently nominated for the elite women.
James Williamson, George Bennett, Tom David and Jason Christie have been selected for the Men's Under-23 squad with three spots available for the road race, with two places open for the time trial.
