The first eight riders for Team Sky's maiden Tour de France roster have been decided, according to The Guardian newspaper, with the official announcement coming next week. As expected, they report Bradley Wiggins as leading the charge for the team's general classification battle, with the Briton surrounded by a mix of experience and talent.
Sky will depend on Norweigian Kurt Asle Arvesen to be the captain on the road, and they will also bring along his young compatriot Edvald Boasson Hagen. Both riders have battled back from injury this season, with Boasson Hagen announcing his return in solo style with a win in the final stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné. Boasson Hagen could set the wheels in motion by taking the pressure off the team with an early stage win should Wiggins miss his first target in the race opener.
Spaniard Juan Antonio Flecha, Australian Simon Gerrans, Swede Thomas Löfkvist and Brits Steve Cummings and Geraint Thomas have all apparently been given the nod by the team principal Dave Brailsford. Canadian Michael Barry, Frenchman Sylvain Calzati and Kiwi Greg Henderson are said to be in the running for the squad's final Tour de France slot, but the presence of Boasson Hagen coupled with the goal for an overall result are likely to rule out choosing a sprinter.
Last year Wiggins equalled Britain’s best ever Tour de France finish when he placed fourth overall in the race. He was brought over to the team from Garmin amidst controversy as the best current candidate to fulfil the team’s ambition of winning the Tour de France within five years.
Wiggins' performance was the revelation of the Tour de France last year. However, he went into the race without the pressure of team leadership, while also having the disadvantage of not doing any reconnaissance of the key stages.
This year will be a big test for the Team Sky leader, and the paper reports that they're leaving nothing to chance. He started reviewing stages in Alps on Monday, with a plan to end his recce of the mountains in the Pyrenees Friday. His week-long camp will end on Saturday with a look at the penultimate time trial stage in Bordeaux.
Most of the riders mentioned are obvious choices, and The Guardian is typically a highly reliable source. The Tour de France starts on July 3rd in Rotterdam, The Netherlands with an 8.9 kilometer prologue. Wiggins won the opener in the Giro d'Italia last month, and will be amongst the favorites to wear the first yellow jersey.
Team Sky probable Tour de France team as reported by The Guardian:
Kurt Asle Arvesen
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Steve Cummings
Juan Antonio Flecha
Simon Gerrans
Thomas Lofkvist
Geraint Thomas
Bradley Wiggins
Reportedly in the running for the ninth spot:
Michael Barry
Sylvain Calzati
Greg Henderson