Geraint Thomas back in action as Sky confirms Tour of Flanders roster
Team Sky fields a strong line-up for the Tour of Flanders (April 3) with a number of options to contest the victory, including Geraint Thomas
Geraint Thomas returns to racing this Sunday (April 3) at the Tour of Flanders, as Team Sky confirms its eight-man roster for the important Belgian Monument.
Thomas last rode in the Volta a Catalunya, but left the Spanish stage race early to prepare for Flanders. The 29-year-old Welshman already has two big wins under his belt this season, having won Paris-Nice and the Volta ao Algarve overall.
With more of a focus on stage racing rather than classics in 2016, the Tour of Flanders will be the only outing for Thomas in this year's cobbled events.
>>> ‘We’d be crazy not to take Geraint Thomas to the Tour of Flanders’
Thomas finished Flanders in 14th spot last year, and will join a strong Sky line-up that includes E3 Harelbeke winner Michal Kwiatkowski, and British hopes Ian Stannard and Luke Rowe.
Sky's Classics sports director Servais Knaven told Cycling Weekly last week that the team should field Thomas in Flanders: "His main goal is being in top shape for the Tour [de France], and being a good climber... In his position, if he wants to do Flanders, we’d be crazy not to take him."
Michal Golas, Christian Knees, Gianni Moscon and Salvatore Puccio complete Sky's line-up for Flanders.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Nine riders to watch at the Tour of Flanders
Meanwhile, Sky has also confirmed its rosters for two Spanish races: the GP Miguel Indurain (Saturday, April 2) and Vuelta al Pais Vasco (April 4-9). Both line-ups feature Sky's Colombian and Spanish riders, with a focus on climbing firepower.
Watch: Tour of Flanders 2016 essential guide
Mikel Landa will ride in both as he aims to build form for the Giro d'Italia in May. After a period of illness, Landa made his Sky debut at the Settimana Internazionale di Coppi e Bartoli in Italy last week. Irishman Philip Deignan and Belarusian time trial world champion Vasil Kiryienka are also selected for both races.
>>> Luke Rowe set for joint Team Sky leadership in Paris-Roubaix
Team Sky rosters
Tour of Flanders
Michal Golas, Christian Knees, Michal Kwiatkowski, Gianni Moscon, Salvatore Puccio, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard, Geraint Thomas
GP Miguel Indurain
Phil Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Mikel Landa, David Lopez, Xabier Zandio
Vuelta al Pais Vasco
Phil Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Mikel Landa, David Lopez, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Xabier Zandio
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
Knog Blinder 1300 review - excellent visibility for you and other road users
Solid performance, great mounting options and a respectable price point make the Blinder a great competitor for long nights this winter
By Joe Baker Published
-
Everything you want to know about the Q Factor
What it is and why it matters, how to measure it, what the Q stands for, and more
By Tyler Boucher Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers hire new head of engineering as reshuffle continues
Former British Cycling lead, Dr Billy Fitton, is the latest of a handful of new appointments within the British squad
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Grandpa Geraint Thomas, a fox at the Giro d'Italia, and the greatest camera shot ever
As the dust settles on the Giro d'Italia, it's the Tour of Norway that grabs our attention
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Patrick Lefevere hands out the bidons, pink sunglasses, and the kids are alright
All the action from cycling social media in the last 7 days
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Overachiever: Cameron Wurf competed in the Amstel Gold, La Flèche Wallonne and an Ironman, all in just eight days
Cameron Wurf is both a member of Team Ineos Grenadiers and an accomplished professional long course triathlete who has racked up numerous World Tour and Ironman race finishes across his career.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
‘I feel lucky to be alive’: Magnus Sheffield speaks for the first time about Gino Mäder’s fatal crash
The American describes what he saw at the Tour de Suisse, eight months after the tragedy
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Geraint Thomas is still the king of dad jokes
Get your fix of the week's best cycling posts from social media
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tom Pidcock: Tour of Britain route 'not really ideal for me'
Brit says he wants to win home stage race, even if the course plays in Wout van Aert's favour
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: Trek's new Lidl kit, Alaphilippe's unusual training and the Cavendish/Thomas show
Your favourite social media roundup from the world of professional cycling
By Adam Becket Published