Defending champion Sir Bradley Wiggins will lead Team Sky’s squad on the Tour of Britain.

He returns to the tour after winning the race in 2013 and this year he will line up alongside fellow British riders Ian Stannard and Ben Swift as part of a six-man squad.

He will be joined in a six-man line up by Ian Stannard, Ben Swift, Bernhard Eisel, David Lopez and Sebastian Henao.

He said: “The Tour of Britain is a special race for me so to be returning as defending champion is a real honour.

“It’s always been a tough race but the support we receive from the fans is incredible, and it’s our home tour so I’ve always enjoyed racing it.

“From the start of the year it’s always been a goal of mine to race to the Tour of Britain.

“The race is growing in stature year on year and it’s our chance to go there with a strong team and race in front of home fans to thank them for their support over the season.”