Geraint Thomas back in action as Sky confirms Tour of Flanders roster

Geraint Thomas returns to racing this Sunday (April 3) at the Tour of Flanders, as Team Sky confirms its eight-man roster for the important Belgian Monument.

Thomas last rode in the Volta a Catalunya, but left the Spanish stage race early to prepare for Flanders. The 29-year-old Welshman already has two big wins under his belt this season, having won Paris-Nice and the Volta ao Algarve overall.

With more of a focus on stage racing rather than classics in 2016, the Tour of Flanders will be the only outing for Thomas in this year's cobbled events.

>>> ‘We’d be crazy not to take Geraint Thomas to the Tour of Flanders’

Thomas finished Flanders in 14th spot last year, and will join a strong Sky line-up that includes E3 Harelbeke winner Michal Kwiatkowski, and British hopes Ian Stannard and Luke Rowe.

Sky's Classics sports director Servais Knaven told Cycling Weekly last week that the team should field Thomas in Flanders: "His main goal is being in top shape for the Tour [de France], and being a good climber... In his position, if he wants to do Flanders, we’d be crazy not to take him."

Michal Golas, Christian Knees, Gianni Moscon and Salvatore Puccio complete Sky's line-up for Flanders.

>>> Nine riders to watch at the Tour of Flanders

Meanwhile, Sky has also confirmed its rosters for two Spanish races: the GP Miguel Indurain (Saturday, April 2) and Vuelta al Pais Vasco (April 4-9). Both line-ups feature Sky's Colombian and Spanish riders, with a focus on climbing firepower.

Watch: Tour of Flanders 2016 essential guide

Mikel Landa will ride in both as he aims to build form for the Giro d'Italia in May. After a period of illness, Landa made his Sky debut at the Settimana Internazionale di Coppi e Bartoli in Italy last week. Irishman Philip Deignan and Belarusian time trial world champion Vasil Kiryienka are also selected for both races.

>>> Luke Rowe set for joint Team Sky leadership in Paris-Roubaix

Team Sky rosters

Tour of Flanders

Michal Golas, Christian Knees, Michal Kwiatkowski, Gianni Moscon, Salvatore Puccio, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard, Geraint Thomas

GP Miguel Indurain

Phil Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Mikel Landa, David Lopez, Xabier Zandio

Vuelta al Pais Vasco

Phil Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Mikel Landa, David Lopez, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Xabier Zandio