Ben Swift chosen to help Geraint Thomas win Giro d’Italia for Ineos Grenadiers

Geraint Thomas has identified the key role Yorkshireman Ben Swift will play in his bid to win the Giro d’Italia.

The two long-time friends and team-mates have been named by Ineos Grenadiers as part of their eight-man team for the second Grand Tour of the year, one that takes place five months after its traditional slot in the calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ben Swift of TEAM INEOS (Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Ben Swift of TEAM INEOS (Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com)

Swift, 32, is riding the Giro for the third time, and first since 2014.

The Rotherham rider will wear the colours of Britain’s national champion, an honour he won last summer that has been extended due to the cancellation of this year’s championships.

Geraint Thomas of Team Sky and Ben Swift of Great Britain riding against each other in the Tour of Britain in 2018 (Picture: SWPix.com)

For Thomas, the experienced Yorkshireman will be a key member of the team.

“Racing a Grand Tour with Swifty again will be a pleasure – we’ve been good mates since I was 12 and he’ll be our guide on the road,” said Thomas, the winner of the 2018 Tour de France.

“I’ve a long association with Italy – I’ve lived here, I’ve raced for an Italian team, and I had some rough luck the last time I came to the Giro. I’m determined to right that wrong.”

Ineos team principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: “The proximity of all three Grand Tours is a unique challenge this year but it’s something we’ve relished.”

Geraint Thomas in action for Great Britain at last week's world championships in Imola (Picture: Simon Wilkinson/SWPix.com)

Former world time-trial champion Rohan Dennis also rides for Ineos in a race that begins with an individual time-trial in Monreale.

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James Mitchinson