Team Sky za Vueltu:
Chris Froome - age 29 - Great Britain
Chris heads into the Vuelta highly motivated after crashes and subsequent fractures to his wrist and hand brought an end to his bid to win a second Tour de France. Now fully recovered, the Brit will look to go one better than a breakthrough Vuelta in 2011 which saw him finish second. With overall victories at the Tour of Oman and Tour de Romandie already this season, he will look to chase more success in Spain.
Dario Cataldo - age 29 - Italy
Lining up in Jerez de la Frontera for his fifth consecutive Vuelta start, Dario knows the Spanish roads well and will be a key rider for a testing 2014 event. The Italian famously took a stage win in 2012 on the incredible gradients of the Cuitu Negru, and with his climbing and time trial ability has repeatedly shown he is capable of targeting a strong GC finish in his own right over three weeks.
Philip Deignan - age 30 - Ireland
Set for his second Grand Tour start in Team Sky colours, Phil has fond memories of the Vuelta after taking a stage victory and top-10 finish in 2009. The Irishman has shown he can climb with the best in the world and his support in the high mountains will be key to a good result for Team Sky over the three weeks.
Peter Kennaugh - age 25 - Great Britain
After being crowned British road race champion in June, Pete will look to continue his momentum as he wears the famous jersey at the Spanish Grand Tour. The Manxman captured his first professional victory at Settimana Coppi e Bartali this season and went on to win the race, a feat he replicated at the Tour of Austria. Part of the 2012 Tour de France-winning squad, Kennaugh’s climbing talents will be a great asset.
Vasil Kiryienka - age 33 - Belarus
A stage winner for Team Sky in the Vuelta last season, the Belarusian is renowned for his hard, selfless riding and tireless stints on the front of the peloton. A key asset to the team on the climbs, Vasil will be called upon to keep breakaways in check and to help set the pace when the road ramps upwards.
Christian Knees - age 33 - Germany
One of the most experienced riders in the peloton, Christian is a powerful rouleur who is most at home riding hard on the front. The tall German is an accomplished domestique and plays an important role in keeping his team leader out of the wind. Part of Team Sky’s Tour de France-winning squad in 2012, the former German champion is a great addition to any line-up.
Mikel Nieve - age 30 - Spain
Mikel is making his fourth appearance at the famous race in a year which has seen the Basque rider go from strength to strength. Fresh from a stage victory at the Criterium du Dauphine, he went on to impress at the Tour de France with a consistent performance. Along with team-mates Froome, Cataldo and Deignan, Nieve is also a Vuelta stage winner.
Luke Rowe - age 24 - Great Britain
Making his second Grand Tour appearance, Luke returns to the Vuelta with another year of experience under his belt. Comfortable riding hard on the front, the Welshman has quickly become one of the most popular riders in the peloton and will play a key role in keeping team leader Chris Froome safe in the bunch. No matter the conditions Luke will be ready to race.
Kanstantsin Siutsou - age 32 - Belarus
Kanstantsin starts his third Vuelta ready to continue his run of Grand Tour success. Part of both of Team Sky’s winning Tour de France squads, the Belarusian combines experience with all-round ability and will be called upon to help Chris Froome in the medium mountains.
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