PARIS, Sept 14, 2011 (AFP) – Milan-San Remo champion Matt Goss will spearhead Australia’s bid for the coveted rainbow jersey at the world road race championships in Copenhagen, where compatriot Mark Renshaw will sit among the replacements.

Renshaw has made his name in recent years as the main lead-out man for British sprinter Mark Cavendish, the winner of 20 stages on the Tour de France.

The Australian, however, was named by Cycling Australia as the ’10th man’ — among the replacements — for the 266 km elite men’s road race on September
25.

Even in Renshaw’s absence Goss is regarded as Australia’s best bet for victory on a 266 km course which is widely expected to finish in a bunch or select sprint, and will have the support of a number of experienced riders.

Stuart O’Grady, Mathew Hayman, Simon Gerrans and Michael Rogers are all well established names with year of experience in the professional peloton.

Simon Clarke and Chris Sutton bring youthful enthusiasm to the squad, which also includes one-day specialist Heinrich Haussler — who was born to a German father and Australian mother in Australia.

Norwegian Thor Hushovd is the reigning world champion.

Australia squad:
Road race
Simon Clarke (Astana), Baden Cooke (Saxo Bank), Simon Gerrans, Mathew Hayman, Michael Rogers and Chris Sutton (Team Sky), Matthew Goss (HTC-Highroad), Heinrich Haussler (Garmin-Cervelo), Stuart O’Grady (Leopard-Trek)

Time trial
Richie Porte (Saxo Bank), Jack Bobridge (Garmin-Cervelo)

Replacements (road race)
Adam Hansen (Omega Pharma Lotto), Mark Renshaw (HTC-Highroad)