Geraint Thomas among Tour of Britain contenders

Geraint Thomas was the highest placed British rider in the general classification of the Tour de France

Olympic gold medallist Geraint Thomas will be among the contenders for the Tour of Britain when it kicks off in the Scottish Borders next week.

The Welshman, who was the highest placed British rider in the general classification at this year's Tour de France, is to lead Team Sky.

Thomas will be joined by Ben Swift who was a stage winner in 2009.

The Tour of Britain begins in Peebles on 11 September before reaching a conclusion in London a week later.

The first stage of this year's event sweeps right across the south of Scotland.

It gets under way in Peebles in the Borders with the finish line in Dumfries.