Tour of Britain teams announced

Belkin, BMC Racing, Garmin-Sharp, Movistar, Omega Pharma-QuickStep, Giant-Shimano, Team Sky and Tinkoff-Saxo have been named as part of the 20-team line-up for this year's Tour of Britain, starting on September 7.

The eight WorldTour-level squads will be joined by Professional Continental outfits Bardiani-CSF, IAM Cycling, MTN-Qhubeka, NepApp-Endura and Novo Nordisk in the eight-day race.

British continental teams Madison-Genesis, NFTO, Giordana, Rapha-Condor-JLT and Raleigh will also be on the start line in Liverpool alongside Irish outfit AN Post-Chain Reaction and a national Great Britain team.

Each of the 20 teams will field six riders, bringing the total start list for the UCI 1.HC-ranked event to 120.

"Every year we get a very positive response from teams wishing to ride the Friends Life Tour of Britain and this year that has been even more so the case”, said Tour of Britain race director Mick Bennett.

"Not only do we have a very strong line-up of teams, half of whom raced in the Tour de France, we are confident that they will be bringing their best possible squads, meaning fans can look forward to seeing the world's top riders, some exciting racing and maybe a few surprises this September."

The 2014 Tour of Britain concludes in London on Sunday, September 14. Last year's race was won by Bradley Wiggins (Sky), who is scheduled to return this year to defend his title.

UCI Pro Teams

• Belkin Pro Cycling (NED)

• BMC Racing Team (USA)

• Garmin Sharp (USA)

• Movistar Team (SPA)

• Omega Pharma Quick-Step (BEL)

• Team Giant Shimano (NED)

• Team Sky (GBR)

• Tinkoff Saxo (RUS)

UCI Pro Continental Teams

• Bardiani CSF (ITA)

• IAM Cycling (SWI)

• MTN Qhubeka (RSA)

• Team NetApp Endura (Ger)

• Team Novo Nordisk (USA)

UCI Continental Teams

• AN Post Chain Reacton (IRL)

• Madison Genesis (GBR)

• NFTO Pro Cycling (GBR)

• Giordana Racing Team (GBR)

• Rapha Condor JLT (GBR)

• Team Raleigh (GBR)

National Teams

• Great Britain (GBR)

Bradley Wiggins set to defend Tour of Britain title

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Tour of Britain television listing

Tour of Britain 7 - 14 September television listing