Vuelta a Espana leader Alberto Contador has been included in Spain’s preliminary squad for the world championship road race in Ponferrada, northern Spain, later this month.
Contador had indicated earlier in the week that he would sit out the event on September 28.
“The world championship course is not in any way suited to my style and I think other riders who will be able to help more should go,” said Contador on Tuesday.
“I prefer to give my place up to another rider.”
However, Spanish selector Javier Minguez said his obligation was to “select the best riders available” ahead of a final attempt to convince Contador to ride.
Minguez will name his final list of nine riders for the road race early next week.
Alejandro Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez, who sit third and fourth in the Vuelta standings respectively, have also been included.
Contador maintained his 1min 19sec lead over Britain’s Chris Froome on Friday with just two more stages of the Vuelta to go.