Prior will aim to leave Wiggins stumped as the top teams sign up for British tour

The British team is one of the 20 announced for the race, which runs from September 6 to 13.

Alongside Sky are Team Cannondale Garmin, the 2014 winners Dylan Van Baarle and the Etixx Quick-Step team of Mark Cavendish and world champion Michal Kwiatowski.

The other six WorldTeams are BMC Racing, IAM Cycling, Lotto Soudal, Movistar Team, Team Lotto NL Jumbo and Tinkoff-Saxo.

Further British interest comes in the form of Team Wiggins, owned by 2012 Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins and ONE Pro Cycling, the team of former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

Starting in Anglesey on September 6, the Tour takes in places such as Colne, Edinburgh, Blyth, Stoke, Fakenham and Ipswich before ending in London on September 13.

“This is undoubtedly the strongest line-up we have had,” said race director Mick Bennett. “It represents a fantastic opportunity for British fans to see the best line-up of teams and riders to race in the country this year.

“In 2014, we saw Michal Kwiatowski, Sir Bradley Wiggins and the BMC Racing Team all go on to win world titles after the race and we are sure this year’s will provide a platform for riders going on to target the World Championships.”