Thor Hushovd has been controversially left out of the Garmin-Cervélo squad for the Vuelta a España, with Irishman Dan Martin their main protected rider for the tour's GC.
Hushovd's name was on the preliminary roster for the tour, but he and his coach Alte Kvålsvoll informed Norweigan newspaper VG event earlier this week that he would not be riding in Spain.
"I am disappointed and surprised," the Norweigan told VG. "It's not the optimal preparation for the world championships."
Kvålsvoll was more emphatic in his reaction: "It's horrible," he said. "You cannot do this to the world champion. It's very strange that they do this."
Hushovd will leave Garmin-Cervélo in 2012 and announced his move to BMC Racing on Wednesday. Hushovd's departure will have disincentivised his inclusion, with providing experience for riders who will remain in the team more beneficial for them in the long run.
Garmin-Cervélo manager Jonathan Vaughters defended his decision as "best for the team."
The decision will damage Hushovd's preparations for defending his rainbow jersey, and he will be forced to race alternative events in the run-up to the world championships. One such event - the Tour of Britain - could be a possibility for him.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Martin to lead for overall
Team manager Vaughters has also revealed that, while he has not decided on the exact team for the race, it will be built around Dan Martin and Heinrich Haussler.
Speaking to Vélonews, he said "When you have a team as deep and talented as ours, roster decisions are very difficult. While our Vuelta team is not quite yet final, it's going to be built around Dan Martin and Heinrich Haussler."
Dan Martin will be provided with his first tilt at a Grand Tour general classification, while Haussler will be their protected rider for the flatter stages.
Martin showed that he is in good form last week, finishing second overall in the Tour of Poland. He was the strongest climber in that race, and was beaten by Peter Sagan (Liquigas) due to time bonuses rewarded to the Slovakian for placings on flatter stages. The Irishman also won the Giro della Toscana in late June.
Dan Martin wins stage 6 of the 2011 Tour of Poland last week
Related links
Vuelta a España: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
Sagan snatches Tour of Poland in final sprint
Thor Hushovd to join BMC
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
Affordable pro bike set to 'turn the market upside down' sells out in minutes
Safer pro cycling scheme boss ousted after less than a year, as number of crashed-out WorldTour riders reaches 38
