Bradley Wiggins will definitely lead Team Sky to the Tour of Britain between September 11th and 18th, according to the race’s organiser. Wiggins recently announced that he would be ending his season early, missing both the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India and the World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, but confirmed that he still planned to race his home Tour.
Wiggins cited tiredness as a big reason for a disappointing Tour de France, where he finished 24th, 39’24” behind winner Alberto Contador (Astana). His 2009 season didn’t finish until mid-October’s Herald Sun Tour in Australia; he then started the 2010 season at the Tour of Qatar in February, before riding the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and the Giro d’Italia on his way to the Tour.
“We’re delighted to have Team Sky riding The Tour of Britain this year, said Tour of Britain Technical Director Mick Bennett, “particularly with such a strong line-up that shows they mean business for The Tour.”
Also on the team’s roster will be Geraint Thomas, who finished second to Thor Hushovd in stage 3 of the Tour de France to Arenberg Porte du Hainaut; earning him the white young riders jersey, which he wore for 3 days. A third member of Sky’s Tour team, Steve Cummings, will also be included.
Australian Matthew Hayman and New Zealander Greg Henderson, who both rode the Giro d’Italia with Wiggins, are also in the team; as is sprinter Russell Downing, who won the Tour de Wallonie this week.
“I’m sure fans in Wales will be particularly excited to see Geraint Thomas riding Stage Three into Swansea,” Bennett added, “while I know from meetings and events in Newham [East London] just how excited residents and in particular local children are at the prospect of our three Olympians racing on their streets in September.
“I know Bradley can expect a lot of support during the final stage, in what is of course London’s Olympic and Paralympic Borough,” he concluded.
Team Sky for the Tour of Britain
Steve Cummings, Russell Downing, Matthew Hayman, Greg Henderson, Geraint Thomas and Bradley Wiggins
Reserves:
Chris Froome and Chris Sutton