Team Sky announce line-up for Tour de Suisse, with plenty of climbing talent

Geraint Thomas will lead Team Sky at the Tour de Suisse, starting on June 11, and the Welshman will have plenty of talent around him to help him up the numerous mountains in the race.

Leopold König makes his return to racing after a lengthy absence with injury. The Czech rider's last appearance was at the Volta a la Communitat Valenciana in February, but his climbing prowess will surely be of help to Thomas in his quest for the general classification.

Also in the squad are Ian Boswell, Christian Knees and David Lopez, fresh off completing the Giro d'Italia last month and world time trial champion Vasil Kiryienka will have two opportunities to wear his rainbow skinsuit.

Danny Van Poppel will be the man for the few sprint opportunities in the race, while Michal Golas rounds out the eight-man squad.

The nine-day race features three consecutive summit finishes, with a 16km time trial on the penultimate stage possibly set to decide the overall winner.

Team Sky line-up for the Tour de Suisse (June 11-19)

Geraint Thomas, Christian Knees, Ian Boswell, Leopold König, Vasil Kiryienka, Danny Van Poppel, David Lopez, Michal Golas.