Simon Yates among five Brits on the Vuelta a España start list

The 2016 Vuelta a España starts on Saturday August 20, and now as many as five British riders have been confirmed on the start list.

Tour de France winner Chris Froome is set to lead Team Sky, and he will be backed-up by compatriot Peter Kennaugh.

Simon Yates has been given the nod by Orica-BikeExchange and is likely to be a co-leader with Esteban Chaves.

The fourth British rider in Hugh Carthy, whose Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team were given a wildcard invitation.

The new addition to British contingent is Scott Thwaites, who is listed on Bora-Argon 18's roster ahead of Saturday's opening stage.

British riders at the 2016 Vuelta a España

Chris Froome (Team Sky)

Age: 31

Chris Froome will continue his busy racing schedule by taking the start at the Vuelta. Earlier in the summer, the Team Sky leader successfully defended his Tour de France crown before heading to Brazil to compete in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The rider looked off his best in the Olympic road race but managed to find his way onto the bottom step of the podium in the time trial.

With two second places and a fourth from previous rides in the Vuelta, Froome has spoken of "unfinished business" in the Spanish race so expect to see him going for the win.

Simon Yates (Orica-BikeExchange)

Age: 24

Simon Yates expected to ride the Tour de France alongside his twin brother Adam, but an admin error over the use of an inhaler resulted in the former receiving a four month ban from racing.

Adam went on to be the breakthrough rider of the Tour, so Simon will no doubt be looking to do the same at the Vuelta.

>>> Simon and Adam Yates extend for two years with Orica-BikeExchange

Lining up alongside Orica teammate Esteban Chaves, Yates will likely have a co-leader role as the Australian team looks to challenge for the GC.

Chaves came second in this year's Giro d'Italia and enjoyed spells in the leader's jersey at the 2015 Vuelta, as well as taking two stage wins.

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Hugh Carthy (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA)

Age: 22

Hugh Carthy will be at the Vuelta thanks to his Spanish Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team being granted one of the wildcard slots for this year's race.

The young British rider is a strong climber so will be in the mix in the mountains, and will surely challenge for stage wins.

The 22-year-old will make the leap up top WorldTour next season with a move to Cannondale-Drapac, so the final Grand Tour of 2016 should give us an indication of his potential on the biggest stage.

Scott Thwaites (Bora-Argon 18)

Age: 26

Making his Grand Tour debut, Scott Thwaites is known for his aggressive riding in the Spring Classics so expect to see him challenging for stage wins.

Thwaites's best result came at Le Samyn in March when he attacked but couldn't hold off Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quick Step), and crossed the line second.

The team, which will be called Bora-Hansgrohe from next season, is stepping up to WorldTour ans has already announced the signing of world champion Peter Sagan.

Peter Kennaugh (Team Sky)

Age: 27

Peter Kennaugh dropped out of the Olympic Games after he struggled to find form following an injury.

Hi return to racing will see him working for Team Sky leader Froome during the three-week race, a role he has played before at the Tour de France.