• Tour de France

Wiggins and Cavendish lead Team Sky line-up

Bradley Wiggins will lead Team Sky's Tour de France squad © PA Photos

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Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish have been confirmed as part of Team Sky's squad for the 2012 Tour de France, which commences on June 30.

The 99th edition of the famous tour begins in Liege and the British duo have been selected as part of a nine-man line-up which also includes Edvald Boasson Hagen, Bernhard Eisel, Chris Froome, Christian Knees, Richie Porte, Michael Rogers and Kanstantsin Siutsou.

Wiggins heads into the tour in superb form having taken podium finishes in every single stage race he has completed over the last 12 months, and will lead the team in his sixth Tour appearance after his consecutive victories at Paris-Nice, Tour de Romandie and Criterium du Dauphine.

Wiggins said: "I'm really proud to be part of such a strong unit going into the Tour de France. The team's preparation has been perfectly managed and our form this season gives us a great chance of being successful.

"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time and I'll do everything I can to win the Tour de France. Hopefully we can do the business for ourselves and our fans, and become the most successful British-based cycling team ever."

Cavendish takes part in his first Tour de France for Team Sky as he aims to add to his incredible 20 stage victories in the world famous competition.

"It's a dream to ride for a team that holds so much British interest and has a chance to win the yellow jersey," said Cavendish.

"I know the push for the GC podium will make it more difficult for me to repeat the success I've enjoyed the last few years. But I'll compete and - as always - I'll dedicate myself to making it a successful Tour for Team Sky and, let's hope, for Britain."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.