Wiggins set to make Team Sky debut in Qatar

Bradley Wiggins

is set to make his first competitive appearance for Team Sky at the Tour of Qatar next month - not the French Etoile de Bessèges as initially announced.

Last year he wore the leader's gold jersey in the Tour of Qatar when he led his former Garmin squad over the line at the end of the team time trial that kicked off the event.

The Team Sky line-up for the race in the Middle East (February 7-12) is a very powerful one. Wiggins, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Juan Antonio Flecha, Kurt-Asle Arvesen, Russell Downing, Geraint Thomas, Ian Stannard and Lars-Petter Nordhaug have all been named.

Before Qatar, Team Sky's riders will be in action in the south of France. Their first European race is Sunday's Grand Prix de la Marseillaise. John-Lee Augustyn, Michael Barry, Sylvain Calzati, Steve Cummings, Peter Kennaugh, Nicolas Portal and Morris Possoni will be in action. The same seven, plus Davide Vigano, will then ride the Etoile de Bessèges, which starts on Tuesday.

Related links

Brailsford satisfied after Team Sky's first race

Bradley Wiggins: Rider Profile