The International Cycling Union (UCI) granted the countries five quota places for the Games, after they finished as the top five ranked nations for the 2015 WorldTour season.

Places were then awarded to the remaining nations, depending on their performances at the UCI’s continental tours.

In particular, the allocation represents a boost to Colombia’s chances of success in the road race, with their team likely to support the 2014 Giro d’Italia, Nario Quintana, having only had three spots at London 2012.

Australia, Germany, The Netherlands and Switzerland have all dropped from five places at London 2012 to four, while the United States’ only have two riders, having had the maximum allocation four years ago.

According to the UCI’s Olympic qualification system calendar, National Olympic Committees (NOC) must confirm the number of athletes they wish to enter as part of their team by February 1.

Following the date, the governing body will reallocate any remaining places, which could still offer several nations the opportunity to field full teams of five.

Host countryBrazil have been granted two places for the road race, due to take place on August 6, the day after the Opening Ceremony, but they will not have representation in the men’s time trial.

Similarly to the road race, places were allocated based upon the UCI WorldTour and Continental Tours, while the top 10 finishes at the 2015 World Championships earned their NOC’s an additional berth.

Belarus, who boast the reigning world time trial champion Vasil Kiryienka, have been granted a maximum number of two places.

The Czech Republic, Australia, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland and the United States will also be able to field two riders.

Britain, winners of the gold and bronze medals in the discipline at London 2012 thanks to Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, will only be able to field one cyclist.

The full list of allocated places for each nation can be found at  Men's qualifications Rio 2016.pdf.