Alex Dowsett makes Movistar's Tour de France shortlist

Having missed out on selection to the Giro d'Italia because of an operation on his collarbone, Alex Dowsett could line up for Movistar at the Tour de France after being named in the team's 12-man shortlist.

The Essex rider started his first Tour in 2015, but a crash on stage four restricted him and he abandoned the race on stage 12.

But with a long time trial through the Ardèche on the route for the 2016 edition of the race, Dowsett is in with a good shot of supporting leader Nairo Quintana once more.

And Dowsett is in good form heading into the race, having broken the British 25-mile TT competition record at the weekend with a time of 44-29.

My toughest day: Alex Dowsett

Quintana will lead the Spanish team, looking to win his first Tour de France title having finished second to Chris Froome in both 2013 and 2015. Alejandro Valverde, who finished third in the Giro d'Italia, will ride in support of the Colombian.

Movistar shortlist for the Tour de France

Nairo Quintana, Alejandro Valverde, Winner Anacona, Jonathan Castroviejo, Alex Dowsett, Imanol Erviti, Jesus Herrada, Gorka Izagirre, Ion Izagirre, Dani Moreno, Nelson Oliveira and Fran Ventoso