Tao Geoghegan Hart and Wout Poels to co-lead Ineos in Vuelta a España

Tao Geoghegan Hart and Wout Poels will be the joint leaders of Team Ineos at the upcoming Vuelta a España.

With no Egan Bernal or Geraint Thomas in the squad – nor the injured Chris Froome – Hart will enjoy co-leadership status alongside Wout Poels.

This will be only Hart's third grand tour after he made his debut in last year's Vuelta, when he finished 62nd overall. His most recent outing was the Tour of Poland, where he finished fifth overall earlier this month.

Hart is one of three Brits in the eight-man squad, with Welshman Owain Doull, 26, lining up for his first grand tour while the experienced Ian Stannard is also included.

Reflecting on the choice of the leaders, the entire roster will be a mix of youth and experience hoping to leave a mark in the Spanish race. "I believe we have a really talented blend of youth and experience in this Team," said Sports Director Nicolas Portal. "The opportunity for Tao to learn from Wout as they lead our Team is a special one and we have faith that both of them can leave their mark on this Vuelta."

"We are also delighted for Owain (Doull), who is riding his first Grand Tour for the Team. He's been building up to this moment and it's a great opportunity for him to ride alongside the likes of Ian and Vasil over the next three weeks as he takes the next step in his career. The Vuelta is always a really tough race, but one that we always look forward to. We love racing in front of the Spanish fans and have had some fantastic success over the years. It promises to be a hard-fought edition this year with some very tough climbs as always and we are looking forward to the start on Saturday."

The Vuelta a España gets under way on Saturday with a team time trial in Torrevieja.

Tao Geoghegan Hart and Wout Poels to co-lead Ineos in Vuelta a España