France, Netherlands facing reduced worlds representation

The Dutch national team lead the peloton at the 2007 World Championships in Germany.

The Dutch national team lead the peloton at the 2007 World Championships in Germany. (Image credit: Sirotti)

Traditional top cycling nations like France and Netherlands risk being represented by only six riders each at this year’s UCI Road World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland. The size of the squads are decided from the world and continental rankings as of August 15 and with the deadline fast approaching, some of the sport’s biggest nations could be faced with reduced numbers at next month’s race.