Team Wiggins replace Aqua Blue Sport for the Tour of Britain after the Irish team withdraw

Tom Pidcock will lead Team Wiggins at the Tour of Britain after they replace Irish team Aqua Blue Sport who have withdraw from the event

  • Team Wiggins will race in Tour of Britain next week in place of Aqua Blue Sport
  • Race organisers confirmed the Irish team withdrew from the race on Tuesday
  • Emerging talent Tom Pidcock, 19, is due to lead Team Wiggins in the race 

Team Wiggins will race in the Tour of Britain next week following the sudden demise of Irish team Aqua Blue Sport.

Emerging talent Tom Pidcock, 19, is due to lead Team Wiggins in the race, which starts on Sunday from Pembrey Country Park in Carmarthenshire.

Team Wiggins have taken the place of Aqua Blue Sport, who announced on Monday that they would cease racing at the end of the season after talks with another team over a merger fell apart to leave the future of riders including former British champion Adam Blythe uncertain.

Emerging talent Tom Pidcock, 19, is due to lead Team Wiggins in the Tour of Britain

It was expected they would see out the campaign, including the Tour of Britain, but race organisers confirmed on Tuesday they had withdrawn from the event.

Team Wiggins have twice taken part in the Tour of Britain before, with current Team Sky rider Owain Doull finishing third overall in 2015, while Sir Bradley Wiggins himself won the event in Sky colours in 2013.

Pidcock said: ‘I’m delighted to have an opportunity to ride in the Tour of Britain with Wiggins. Obviously the team has a strong affiliation with the race, with Sir Brad being a former winner and Owain’s impressive ride in 2015.

‘I am really looking forward to mixing it up against some of the big UCI WorldTour teams again. Riding in front of British fans is always a great experience and hopefully our team can give them plenty to cheer about over the course of the race.’

Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome are due to race for Team Sky in the event.

Chris Froome (right) is due to race for Team Sky in the Tour of Britain next week

Chris Froome (right) is due to race for Team Sky in the Tour of Britain next week

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