Storey: Britain's best is needed to succeed at Road World Championships

Dame Sarah Storey sees the Para-cycling Road World Championships as the chance to lay down a marker ahead of Tokyo, but isn’t banking on Britain having it all their own way.

A 17-strong squad heads for Emmen, Netherlands with world titles to be defended, Paralympic qualifying campaigns solidified and major championship debuts made.

The 14-time Paralympic champion is a force of nature at the event – she has done the WC5 road race and time trial double six times in a row.

But with Germany’s world number one Kerstin Brachtendorf set to push her hard for the rainbow jersey, Storey is taking nothing for granted as she aims to extend that proud record.

“It’s always a real privilege to represent your country on the biggest stage, and the opportunity to compete at a world championships never loses its prestige,” said the 41-year-old.

“I’ll be going to Emmen looking to defend both of my titles, however the standard of para-cycling across the classifications continues to move on at pace.

“These championships will be a good test and chance to put a marker down for everyone within the team as we move closer to Tokyo.”

Storey will be in action on Thursday in the time trial and Saturday in the road race, with double Paralympic medallist Crystal Lane-Wright also medalling in the classification last year in Maniago.

Defending champion Katie Toft carries British hopes in WC1 while Steve Bate and Adam Duggleby aim to extend their reign in rainbow.

Lora Fachie and Corinne Hall have hoarded three silvers in the last two editions and will aim to reach top step this time, as will Ben Watson who has claimed silver and bronze at the top table.

Will Bjergfelt, who won his first major medal at the Track World Championships, will go for a maiden global medal on the road and Hannah Dines is out to avenge a succession of fourth-placed finishes.

Meanwhile 20-year-old Matthew Robertson will be making his World Championships debut in the Low Countries.

Jon Pett, British Cycling’s Head of Para-cycling, said: “Given the point of the Paralympic cycle we’re in, this is obviously a key event for us, and the strength of the squad we have named reflects that.

“I’m delighted to once again be able to name such an experienced squad, and will be looking to build on the successes of last year.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for all of the riders to demonstrate their potential for Tokyo as we enter the final year of preparation as we once again test ourselves against the world’s best.”