Steve Cummings could make his first Tour de France start since 2012 after being named in MTN-Qhubeka’s 11-man shortlist for their Grand Boucle debut.

The Brit has enjoyed a prosperous start to his time with the African outfit, winning one of the Mallorca Challenges in February before a pair of sixth-place finishes at Tirreno-Adriatico and Circuit Cycliste Sarthe.

MTN-Qhubeka were awarded a wildcard place into the Tour this year and will showcase their African talent, with seven of the 11 riders in their squad hailing from the continent.

Natnael Berhane, Merhawi Kudus and Daniel Teklehaimanot fly the flag for Eritrea, Jacques and Reinhart Janse van Rensburg represent South Africa along with Louis Meintjes, while Youcef Reguigui hails from Algeria.

Team principal Doug Ryder said: “The realisation of the dream of taking an African registered team to the ultimate annual cycling event Le Tour de France is upon us and around the corner.

“The squad selected is perfect for the event this year consisting of specialist climbers, classics type riders, time trial lists and riders that can spend hours riding in the breakaways going for stage wins.

“All 23 riders and all staff in the team have worked incredibly hard to get this amazing squad of riders ready for our biggest challenge ever.”

MTN-Qhubeka Tour de France squad
Edvald Boasson Hagen [Norway]
Natnael Berhane [Eritrea]
Steve Cummings [Great Britain]
Tyler Farrar [USA]
Jacques Janse van Rensburg [South Africa]
Reinart Janse van Rensburg [South Africa]
Merhawi Kudus [Eritrea]
Louis Meintjes [South Africa]
Serge Pauwels [Belgium]
Youcef Reguigui [Algeria]
Daniel Teklehaimanot [Eritrea]