Vuelta a Espana wildcards announced

African squad MTN-Qhubeka will compete in two Grand Tours in 2015 having been awarded a wildcard for the Vuelta a España in late August and early September.

It adds to a neat collection of race invitations for MTN, which includes the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix and Flèche Wallone. And with Steve Cummings’ top-10 finish at Tirreno-Adriatico, the Pro Continental team are more than justifying their place in the big races.

Caja Rural-Seguro RGA are the sole Spanish invitees, who will join compatriots Movistar on the start line, while Cofidis and Europcar boost the French contingent in the three-week race.

Having missed out on an invitation to ride in the Giro d’Italia, Team Colombia will ride the Vuelta, with the talented South American climbers sure to be tested on the nine mountain-top finishes.

The Vuelta runs from August 22 and September 13, starting with a team time trial from Porto Banus to Marbella and culminating in a short circuit race on the streets of the capital Madrid.

>>> Vuelta a España 2015 route leaked, featuring new climbs

Vuelta a España wildcards:

Caja Rural-Seguro RGA

Cofidis

Europcar

MTN-Qhubeka

Team Colombia