British WorldTour outfit Team Sky announced their nine-man roster for the 2016 Tour de France on Wednesday afternoon, and the cycling world gave its verdict on the selection via social media.
There were no major surprises in the nine men selected to ride the 103rd edition of the Tour, with Chris Froome returning to defend his title – and with a team built to help him.
Froome will be joined by Geraint Thomas, Ian Stannard, Luke Rowe, Vasil Kiryienka, Mikel Landa, Mikel Nieve, Wout Poels and Sergio Henao.
>>> Tour de France 2016: Latest news, reports and info
@TeamSky I think this is the strongest squad Sky have ever sent to a grand tour
— Gary Preston (@Gaz_Preston) June 22, 2016
@TeamSky probably the best cycling lineup ever for a Grand Tour, 5 starts… Awesome support for our leader @chrisfroome
— Ricardo Valente (@RichieValente) June 22, 2016
Some were surprised at the absence of Irishman Nicolas Roche and former world champion Michal Kwiatkowski.
@TeamSky no @nicholasroche very disappointed !!!! He is a super team player
— Cronan O Shaughnessy (@TheCroMan) June 22, 2016
@TeamSky @Hems1759 Over the moon to see Kiry and Poels in there. Shame no room for Kwiatkowski and Konig. Pity that Kennaugh is injured.
— Mark 🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼 (@MWWithycombe) June 22, 2016
Watch: Tour de France 2016 essential guide
And, of course there are these… this is social media after all.
@TeamSky Can you get them on the road to me to sort out my digibox & dish please? Not fussed which one comes. There's a cup of tea waiting.
— Rob Whittle (@HaleFishLtd) June 22, 2016
@TeamSky Why no Brad Wiggins ?
— Dave Witts (@DaveWitts) June 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/Uit_Duimpje/status/745643430009839616
@TeamSky cycling need a salary cap to prevent this kind of horrible things to happen
— Кирилл (@Cyro64) June 22, 2016
@TeamSky @chrisfroome Glad to see you made the team, Chris. Was worried about you for a bit then.
— Paul (@PJLJS) June 22, 2016
The 2016 Tour de France starts on Saturday July 2 in Mont-Saint-Michel and concludes in Paris on Sunday, July 24.
