Team Sky has announced its line-up for the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, which starts in Edinburgh on Sunday 3rd September.
Welshman Geraint Thomas, who took the Yellow Jersey at this year’s Tour de France with a victory in the opening time trial, is included in the six-man squad.
He will return home to Cardiff for the final stage next Sunday (10th September) alongside fellow Welshman and Rio Gold Medal winner Owain Doull, who is in his first season with Team Sky.
Two more of the stars of this year’s Tour de France team will also line up in Edinburgh. Former World Champion Michal Kwiatkowski has had an incredible year, winning Milan – San Remo along with victories at Strade Bianche and San Sebastian. He then turned in what Team Sky’s Dave Brailsford called an “MVP performance” at the Tour de France, playing a starring role in Chris Froome’s fourth overall victory.
Former World Time Trial Champion and fan favourite Vasil Kiryienka has been a key member of Team Sky’s Giro d’Italia and Tour de France squads this year.
Italian sprinter and Rio Gold medallist Elia Viviani will be targeting stage wins at the Tour of Britain and hoping to continue his impressive run of recent victories.
Completing the squad, and adding to the British contingent, is Tao Geoghegan Hart. One of the brightest young talents in the peloton, Londoner Geoghegan Hart has enjoyed an impressive first year with Team Sky, playing a key role in the team’s victory at the inaugural Hammer Series race in June.
Ahead of the race, Geraint Thomas said: “The support from the British fans is always fantastic and it’s going to be great to race at home. We’ve got a strong squad coming and I’m really looking forward to it.
“Coming back to Cardiff is going to be special and it’s something the Welsh guys have been talking about since the route was announced. I’m sure the fans will do us proud”.
