Valverde will ride in Madrid

Alejandro Valverde will represent Spain in the World Championships in Madrid, September 21-25. After a season plagued by injury, the Illes Balears rider was in doubt for the race start in the Spanish capital; he hasn't competed since stage 11 of the Tour de France in July. By his own admission, Valverde's form of late hasn't been strong but Spanish national coach Francisco Antequera has included him in the list for the men's road race on September 25.

The Spanish senior men's squad for the World Championships is therefore:

Road race: Juan Antonio Flecha (Fassa Bortolo), Miguel Angel Martin Perdiguero (Phonak), Marcos Serrano (Liberty), Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears), Igor Astarloa (Barloworld), Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears), Oscar Pereiro (Phonak), Benjamin Noval (Discovery Channel) and Constantino Zaballa (Saunier Duval). Reserves: Angel Vicioso (Liberty), David Blanco (Comunidad Valenciana) and Luis Perez (Cofidis).

Time trial: Ivan Gutierrez (Illes Balears) and Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana). Reserve: Santos Gonzalez (Phonak)