Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas will ride Tirreno-Adriatico

The British Grand Tour stars wil both race the Tirreno-Adriatico race in Italy staring next week ahead of the Giro d'Italia

The Tirreno-Adriatico EOLO, scheduled from 7 to 14 September, will be a special edition not only because of when it is scheduled on the calendar, but also because it will be raced over eight stages – instead of the usual seven.

The pair were not selected to race the Tour de France by Ineos Grenadiers boss Sir Dave Brailsford, but will instead be given leadership opportunities later in the year

Lining up in Italy from Monday (September 7), Ineos Grenadiers  will field a strong squad around them.

The squad for Ineos includes Rohan Dennis, Eddie Dunbar, Tao Geoghegan Hart and Filippo Ganna.

The 8 stage race will feature a huge selection of star riders, most of whom are also preparing for the Giro d’Italia in October.

Vincenzo Nibali (Trek-Segafredo), Jakob Fuglsang (Astana), Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) are due to take part.

The 2020 race feature three sprint stages, two hilly stages and two tougher mountain stages before the final time trial in San Benedetto del Tronto on the final day. 

Earlier this month, Ineos Grenadiers boss Sir Dave Brailsford announced that both Froome and 2018 Tour winner Geraint Thomas would lead the team in the Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia respectively.

Thomas said of the Giro d'Italia, “The Giro ended badly that year with a crash and it’s something I’ve always wanted to go back to. I enjoy the racing there. I’ve always loved Italy, the roads and the fans and the food obviously. I’m looking forward to going back.”