Team Sky announce Tour de France line-up (+ video)

Now that Chris Froome has been cleared to ride the Tour de France, Team Sky have become the 22nd and final team to announce their eight-man line-up for the race, which starts on Saturday.

Among those riding alongside the 33-year-old, who is seeking a record-equalling fifth overall victory are Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe, the latter less than a year after shattering his leg on his brother's stag weekend.

They are joined by Egan Bernal, Jonathan Castroviejo, Michal Kwiatkowski, Gianni Moscon and Wout Poels.

We're excited to announce our lineup for #TDF2018, with the big race kicking off on Saturday:@chrisfroome @Eganbernal @jcastroviejo @kwiato @GianniMoscon @WoutPoels @LukeRowe1990 @GeraintThomas86

> https://t.co/naEeowLyyU pic.twitter.com/unQhbuOCVc

— Team Sky (@TeamSky) July 3, 2018

Froome, the reigning champion of all three Gramd Tours, said: “The last 12 months have been the hardest but also the most incredible of my career. 

"I’ve never started the Tour de France after riding the Giro d’Italia and it has meant a completely different approach to my season. But I learnt a lot from riding the Vuelta straight after the Tour de France last year which has given me confidence coming into this race.  

“I want to make history with a fifth Tour de France win and fourth consecutive Grand Tour. I am under no illusion about the challenge, but I am feeling ready and I couldn’t ask for a better team to support me. 

“This is the biggest race in the year, in front of the most passionate cycling fans, and I can’t wait to get racing,” Froome added.

Team principal Sir Dave Brailsford commented: “We go into the Tour with a lot of confidence. Chris is in great shape after the Giro - mentally and physically - and the whole team want to build on the success we had in Italy. 

"Chris is already one of the greats of the sport. This is a chance for him to cement that reputation even further.  

“We have chosen the Team to support him that we believe is best equipped to meet the demands of this year’s race. It is a team of real versatility and one that balances youth with experience.

"We are really proud that Gianni Moscon and Egan Bernal will be making their Tour de France debuts with us. They are both very talented bike riders and will have a lot to offer.

"It is also fantastic that Luke Rowe will be riding the Tour again as our road captain after his serious accident last summer. It is testament to his ability and determination that he has come back so strongly."

He added: “These are very special weeks every year. We love riding in France and we are all looking forward to starting racing.”