Garmin-Chipotle to ride Tour of Britain

The Tour of Britain has announced that Garmin-Chipotle has joined the list of squads that will contest this year's event, which starts on September 7 in central London. The Jonathan Vaughters-managed squad is the fifth team contesting the Tour de France to sign up for the British race.

"It is excellent news that Team Garmin will be riding this year's race," said race spokesperson Peter Hodges. "They are bringing over a strong team, and with riders more than capable of taking victory on each stage, they are bound to play a part in shaping the overall outcome of the 2008 Tour of Britain."

The American squad has evolved from a strong United States of America domestic squad into a world-class team who have competed in both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France so far this season. Headlining its provisional roster for the Tour of Britain is David Millar, who will be riding his home tour for the first time, and current Irish champion Daniel Martin.

"We're expecting many fans will also be excited by the opportunity to see David Millar racing, and the route of this year's Tour of Britain could well suit him," said Hodges.

Also named as starting is former Paris - Roubaix winner Magnus Backstedt, and Julian Dean, who has already enjoyed success in the Tour of Britain, finishing second overall and taking the points jersey in 2004.

Fellow Tour de France teams Agritubel, Barloworld, Team Columbia and Team CSC - Saxo Bank will join Garmin - Chipotle on the London start line, alongside a strong mixture of the top British domestic teams and UCI Professional Continental and Continental line-ups.