Michael Barry selected for Tour de France
Canadian Team Sky rider will race his first TdF.
Canadian Michael Barry will finally get his chance to ride the Tour de France. Britain’s Team Sky announced its final nine-man roster for the Grand tour today and Barry made the cut.
In its release, the team said: “Michael Barry also makes selection having shown excellent leadership at the Giro d’Italia this year.” Barry has also ridden in the Vuelta a Espana previously, but never the Tour de France.
“There’s a great mix in this line-up for our Tour de France debut. It’s great that we have three British riders in there, all on merit. And we have a blend of Tour experience and young talent that will help us to perform this year and continue to develop,” team principal Dave Brailsford said. “It’s been a tough final decision as you would expect when there are such talented riders, so many in good form, and excitement around our Tour debut, but we are pleased with the outcome.
“The aim is to perform well, make a positive contribution to the Tour and help to get more people enjoying the sport. We want to inspire. And these nine riders will help us to do that.”
Bradley Wiggins, who came fourth in last year’s Tour de France to equal the best-ever finish by a British rider, will be supported by fellow Brits Geraint Thomas and – in his first ever Tour de France – Steve Cummings, along with six riders from other nationalities, all of whom have shown great form throughout the 2010 season.
The full roster of nine riders is: Michael Barry, Steve Cummings, Juan Antonio Flecha, Simon Gerrans, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Thomas Löfkvist, Serge Pauwels, Geraint Thomas and Bradley Wiggins.