Embarrassed Australia backflip on world cycling championship selections

Chloe Hosking of Australia (L) celebrates after winning the 97 km first stage of the Tour of Qatar women's cycling race from Doha to Mesaieed January 29, 2013. REUTERS/Mohammed Dabbous

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Cycling Australia has been forced into an embarrassing backflip over selections for next week's road world championships in Norway after drawing criticism for failing to fill its quota of women riders.

Selectors picked a five-woman team for the Sept. 17-24 championships in Bergen, two less than its quota, prompting complaints from the country's top cyclists.