Simon Yates among five Brits on the Vuelta a España start list

Five British riders will line up for the 2016 Vuelta a España, which starts on Saturday August 20

The 2016 Vuelta a España starts on Saturday August 20, and now as many as five British riders have been confirmed on the start list.

Tour de France winner Chris Froome is set to lead Team Sky, and he will be backed-up by compatriot Peter Kennaugh.

Simon Yates has been given the nod by Orica-BikeExchange and is likely to be a co-leader with Esteban Chaves.

The fourth British rider in Hugh Carthy, whose Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team were given a wildcard invitation.

The new addition to British contingent is Scott Thwaites, who is listed on Bora-Argon 18's roster ahead of Saturday's opening stage.

British riders at the 2016 Vuelta a España

Chris Froome (Team Sky)

Age: 31

Chris Froome in the men's road race at the 2016 Olympic Games

Chris Froome in the men's road race at the 2016 Olympic Games. Photo: Graham Watson
(Image credit: Watson)

Chris Froome will continue his busy racing schedule by taking the start at the Vuelta. Earlier in the summer, the Team Sky leader successfully defended his Tour de France crown before heading to Brazil to compete in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The rider looked off his best in the Olympic road race but managed to find his way onto the bottom step of the podium in the time trial.

With two second places and a fourth from previous rides in the Vuelta, Froome has spoken of "unfinished business" in the Spanish race so expect to see him going for the win.

Simon Yates (Orica-BikeExchange)

Age: 24

Simon Yates wins the 2016 Clasica Ordicia

Simon Yates wins the 2016 Clasica Ordicia. Photo: Graham Watson
(Image credit: Graham Watson)

Simon Yates expected to ride the Tour de France alongside his twin brother Adam, but an admin error over the use of an inhaler resulted in the former receiving a four month ban from racing.

Adam went on to be the breakthrough rider of the Tour, so Simon will no doubt be looking to do the same at the Vuelta.

>>> Simon and Adam Yates extend for two years with Orica-BikeExchange

Lining up alongside Orica teammate Esteban Chaves, Yates will likely have a co-leader role as the Australian team looks to challenge for the GC.

Chaves came second in this year's Giro d'Italia and enjoyed spells in the leader's jersey at the 2015 Vuelta, as well as taking two stage wins.

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Hugh Carthy (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA)

Age: 22

Hugh Carthy wins stage one of the 2016 Vuelta Asturias. Photo: Graham Watson

Hugh Carthy wins stage one of the 2016 Vuelta Asturias. Photo: Graham Watson
(Image credit: Watson)

Hugh Carthy will be at the Vuelta thanks to his Spanish Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team being granted one of the wildcard slots for this year's race.

The young British rider is a strong climber so will be in the mix in the mountains, and will surely challenge for stage wins.

The 22-year-old will make the leap up top WorldTour next season with a move to Cannondale-Drapac, so the final Grand Tour of 2016 should give us an indication of his potential on the biggest stage.

Scott Thwaites (Bora-Argon 18)

Age: 26

Bora-Argon 18's Scott Thwaites at Paris-Roubaix. Photo: Yuzuru Sunada

Bora-Argon 18's Scott Thwaites at Paris-Roubaix. Photo: Yuzuru Sunada
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

Making his Grand Tour debut, Scott Thwaites is known for his aggressive riding in the Spring Classics so expect to see him challenging for stage wins.

Thwaites's best result came at Le Samyn in March when he attacked but couldn't hold off Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quick Step), and crossed the line second.

The team, which will be called Bora-Hansgrohe from next season, is stepping up to WorldTour ans has already announced the signing of world champion Peter Sagan.

Peter Kennaugh (Team Sky)

Age: 27

KENNAUGH Peter (GBR) Sky Photo : Yuzuru SUNADA

Kennaugh will be seen at the front of the peloton during the Vuelta. Photo: Yuzuru Sunada
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

Peter Kennaugh dropped out of the Olympic Games after he struggled to find form following an injury.

Hi return to racing will see him working for Team Sky leader Froome during the three-week race, a role he has played before at the Tour de France.

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Jack Elton-Walters hails from the Isle of Wight, and would be quick to tell anyone that it's his favourite place to ride. He has covered a varied range of topics for Cycling Weekly, producing articles focusing on tech, professional racing and cycling culture. He moved on to work for Cyclist Magazine in 2017 where he stayed for four years until going freelance. He now returns to Cycling Weekly from time-to-time to cover racing, review cycling gear and write longer features for print and online.