Spain's Sergi Escobar, the 2004 World Champion in the 4000m individual pursuit, will not be able to defend his title at this year's World's in Los Angeles (March 24-27). After failing to comply with UCI regulations, Spain was not granted any additional wildcards for the meet, which means it can only compete with three riders: José Antonio Escuredo (keirin), José Antonio Villanueva (sprint, keirin), and Joan Llaneras (points race).
Originally, it was planned to send 13 riders, but the UCI decided several weeks ago that only three had completed the necessary requirements, which included competing in the World Cup. Spain still sent eight riders to Los Angeles, but five of these will have to return home without racing: Escobar, Aitor Alonso, Asier Maeztu, Gema Pascual and Salvador Meliá.
