British trio spearhead Team Sky

Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas have been named in Team Sky's squad for the Tour de France alongside fellow Briton Ben Swift.

Wiggins, fourth in 2009 and 24th in 2010, will start the Tour in the Vendee region of western France on July 2 on the back of the biggest win of his road career at this month's Dauphine Libere.

Thomas excelled in the 2010 Tour and was always likely to be selected, with Swift's inclusion for his debut coming after five wins this season.

The 23-year-old Rotherham rider is named in the nine-man squad alongside Edvald Boasson Hagen, Juan Antonio Flecha and Simon Gerrans, all of whom rode in Team Sky's debut Tour last July.

Colombia's Rigoberto Uran, who helped Wiggins in the mountains at the Dauphine, Xabier Zandio and German national champion Christian Knees - all winter recruits - have also been included.

After changing the focus from "one rider and one race" - namely Wiggins and the Tour - Team Sky appear to have reaped the benefits this season, with Thomas also among the winners after victory in Bayern Rundfhart.

Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford is pleased with the composition of his squad, saying: "We have a really exciting team that can't wait for July 2.

"This is a strong and balanced team with a real depth of talent to cater for all the challenges, from the team time-trial to its high mountain finishes.

"The squad have raced and trained together consistently well and are full of confidence after excellent results at Bayern Rundfhart and the Criterium du Dauphine.

"There is a great blend of experience and youth in our squad. As well as riders like Bradley, Flecha, Simon, Christian and Xabier who have ridden the Grand Tours on numerous occasions, the line-up also includes some of the peloton's brightest young talents in Edvald, Geraint, Rigoberto and Ben."