British Cycling names its line-up for inaugural team time trial mixed relay at 2019 UCI Road World Championships
British Cycling has named its six-rider squad that will challenge for the team time trial mixed relay at this month's UCI Road World Championships in Yorkshire.
Made up of three male and three female riders, British Cycling's first ever squad in the event at a world championships comprises John Archibald, Dan Bigham, Harry Tanfield, Lauren Dolan, Anna Henderson and Joss Lowden.
The team time trial mixed relay – which made its competitive debut at last month's European championships – will act as the curtain-raiser to the first Road World Championships on British soil since 1982.
Following seven years of team trial events when riders competed in their trade team colours as opposed to national jerseys, the world governing body of cycling introduced the mixed relay to help, according to UCI president David Lappartient, promote "equality between men and women", while ditching the trade team events.
"The team time trial mixed relay is certainly going to be an exciting event, not least because it will be the first time it’s been held at a world championship level," British Cycling performance director Stephen Park said in a statement.
Each team will get its race under way with three male riders who will complete one 14km lap around Harrogate before their female counterparts tackle the same route. The time for each team will be taken when the second woman crosses the line.
Archibald was runner-up to Alex Dowsett in the time trial national championships in June, while Bigham finished fifth with Tanfield, who won the opening stage at last year's Tour de Yorkshire, in 11th spot.
"I have a lot of admiration for John, Dan and Harry for the success they have achieved independently of British Cycling and the mark they have made on the cycling world," added Park.
"I believe those three riders will set us up for a strong first lap, before handing over to the women’s team to pick up the metaphorical baton.
"Lauren, Anna and Joss all possess strong climbing abilities which will be crucial on this course, and riding at this level will play a big part in their development, particularly in Lauren and Anna’s case as under-23 riders. With just under two weeks to go now until the road worlds, preparations are being finalised across the squads, and we are looking forward to announcing squads for the other races over the coming days."
British Cycling are expected to confirm its full line-up for the championships over the next week.
