Team Sky's Giro d'Italia co-leader Mikel Landa will begin his racing season at the Ruta del Sol in Spain next week (February 15-19).
In what is set to be the season's first big battle on European soil between the best general classification riders, Landa will lead a Sky team that also includes Wout Poels and debutant Diego Rosa.
After abandoning the Giro d'Italia with illness on stage 10 last year, Landa will share leadership responsibilities with Geraint Thomas in this year's race.
The Ruta del Sol is seen as Landa's first test against other GC riders, including Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) who is also targeting the Giro.
>>> ‘Mikel Landa paid the price at Team Sky. Astana are interested in men, not robots’
Alberto Contador is making his debut for Trek-Segafredo in the Spanish race, while Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Warren Barguil (Team Sunweb) will also be aiming for the overall win.
The race, that takes place in the Andalusia region of Spain, has a summit finish on stage two and an 11.9-kilometre time trial the day after.
After the Ruta del Sol, Landa will then race Tirreno-Adriatico in early- to mid-March before racing the Tour of Catalonia alongside Chris Froome later in the month.
Landa, who joined Sky from Astana in 2015 when he finished third at the Giro, will then defend his title at the Giro del Trentino, which finishes just over two weeks before the Tour of Italy begins on May 5.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
Global backers in talks over new British WorldTour teamFormer management of Ribble Weldtite courting interest in new project
-
'I remember the crowds more than anything': Tom Pidcock recalls his Alpe d'Huez Tour de France stage win
Our male rider of the year, Tom Pidcock, talks us through the highs and lows of his 2022 campaign
-
Leo Hayter, Cycling Weekly's rising star of 2022, talks through his season in the spotlight
We caught up with the winner of the "Baby Giro" to hear all about the win in Italy and his dream move to Ineos Grenadiers
-
Ineos Grenadiers release 'visibly fast' 2023 jersey
Navy is replaced with red as British team changes its look
-
Where next for Mark Cavendish after B & B Hotels-KTM's collapse?
We look at where the ‘Manx Missile’ could find himself next after the collapse of B & B Hotels-KTM
-
‘It’s a good thing and shows progression of the sport’ - Ben Swift hails changes at British Cycling academy
Ineos Grenadier says putting academy riders in with development teams will encourage development of many skills
-
'I know I can do it so I need to make that next level': Ben Turner signs Ineos Grenadiers contract extension
The Classics and another Grand Tour are on the agenda for Doncaster's Big Ben
-
Geraint Thomas targets Giro d'Italia after disappointment over Tour de France route
Welshman says he doesn't know whether he will be riding for GC in May or not yet
