It's not a joke at all. The team has minimum standards, which all players are expected to achieve. Midfielders are expected to have a higher level of fitness (as measured by the TT) than KPPs. If Menzel can't meet those standards (and I don't know whether he can or can't), then that is definitely a good reason for him not playing.this is the critical thing to realise.
a time trial has its place, but if that's being used to keep someone out of the side its an absolute joke in my opinion, but of course that is only speculation. We'll find out later this year I guess, can't wait to see the Round 1 team.
Nobody's expecting him to become a superstar runner, but he does have to meet the team standards.