Britain's Fred Wright is pleased to be considered the underdog in Sunday's elite men's road race at the UCI Road World Championships. The team leader is confident that his young British team, featuring Ethan Hayter, Jake Stewart, and Conor Swift, can surprise.

"I think 'underdog' is a good description for me and for the team. We have a lot of power and we're going to use it while the rest of the players look out for each other. That's the plan," Wright warned.

"Wout Van Aert is the favorite to win this course and he has proven his strength in the Tour and all the races this year. But being the underdog is to our advantage."

Wright joked that he has finally overcome his jet lag and long trip to Australia issues and that his gut is ready for the race.

He admitted that he did not ride his bike between finishing the Vuelta a España and moving to Australia three days later, but has since been training with his teammates.

"This is the first time I've ever suffered from jet lag. I'm on Australian time now. All my meals and bowel movements are in sync.

"I'm not as tired from the Vuelta as I thought I would be, two Grand Tours in one year is tough, but I feel well rested. I'm in good shape, that's for sure."

Great Britain has chosen a team that combines youth and experience for Australia.

Ben Turner, Ben Swift, Ben Truett and Luke Rowe are the core of the Ineos Grenadiers, while Jake Stewart and Connor Swift are suited to the Wollongong course as leaders.

Wright and Hayter are part of a new generation of British riders emerging in the peloton; the two have raced together since school and even shared a house during the COVID-19 blockade. Tom Pidcock is also from the same generation, but missed the World Championships due to a long season.

"British cycling is in good shape with many new British pros coming up.

"We are all good friends and want each other to succeed. I don't know if it will happen on Sunday, but eventually there will be a British world champion within a few years. It's a shame Tom can't be here, but I think me and Ethan can compete really well."

Hayter made his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta a España after winning the Tour de Pollogne last month, but was forced to leave the race after nine stages due to COVID-19. In the time trial, he finished fourth despite breaking a gear and having to replace his bike, showing that he was in good form.

Wright rode impressively at the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, taking five top-five finishes and setting his sights on a stage win. That didn't happen, but he hopes to reap the rewards of his efforts in Australia.

"My dream is to build on what I've learned in the last few months and win on Sunday. It's still an unknown, but I'm looking forward to it," he said of his natural ambitions.

"Everyone dreams of a rainbow band. Everyone dreams of having a rainbow band, having a nice colored bike and decorating the walls of your house with it. I dream of a band."