Thomas replaces Cavendish

The Welsh rider, one of the Olympic gold medal-winning team pursuit squad, joins Steve Cummings, David Millar, Chris Froome, Ian Stannard and Russell Downing in the six-man team for the road race in Varese, Italy, on September 28.

The 22-year-old Barloworld rider finished the 2007 Tour de France and this year's Giro d'Italia.

While there is no obvious gold medal contender in the men's team, Olympic champion Nicole Cooke will be hoping to add the world title to the gold she won in Beijing.

Men's elite road race

Steve Cummings, Chris Froome, David Millar, Ian Stannard, Russell Downing, Geraint Thomas

Men's elite time trial

Steve Cummings, Chris Froome, David Millar

Men's under-23 road race

Ben Swift, Jonny Bellis, Peter Kennaugh, Jonny McEvoy, Alex Dowsett

Men's under-23 time trial

Alex Dowsett, Russell Hampton