Team Sky announces strong Tour of Britain team

Team Sky has announced its line-up to contest the 2015 Tour of Britain (September 6-13), which includes three riders from its successful Tour de France team.

British riders Ben Swift, Peter Kennaugh, Ian Stannard and Andy Fenn will be joined by Italian Elia Viviani and Dutchman Wouter Poels. Kennaugh, Poels and Stannard all assisted Chris Froome in taking his second Tour de France title in July.

Sprinters Swift and Viviani will come up against strong opposition in the race, with Mark Cavendish (Etixx-QuickStep) and André Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) both riding.

"The Tour of Britain has become one of the stand-out races in the cycling calendar," said Swift.

"It's a very special feeling to race in front of your home fans and see the fantastic support that we get every year. Cycling has never been more popular in the UK and the crowds at the Tour of Britain get bigger with each edition of the race, which is great to see.

>>> Tour of Britain 2015 start list

"This will be my seventh appearance at this race and I know just how tough the British roads can be, but we have a strong team and we'll certainly be challenging for stage wins and the overall GC."

Bradley Wiggins was Sky's top finisher last year, in third place behind winner Dylan Van Baarle (Garmin). Wiggins returns to the race this year with his eponymous squad, Team Wiggins, having left Sky in April.

The 2015 Tour of Britain starts on Sunday, September 6, in Beaumaris, North Wales and concludes the following Sunday, September 13, in London.

Team Sky for 2015 Tour of Britain

Andy Fenn (GBr), Peter Kennaugh (GBr), Wout Poels (Ned), Ian Stannard (GBr), Ben Swift (GBr) and Elia Viviani (Ita)