Wiggins and Froome to miss Giro

Richie Porte's absence due to illness that disrupted his training earlier this season had led to speculation that Wiggins could return to the race, despite having said last year that he would not ride again in the Italian Grand Tour.

Froome, meanwhile, will focus all his energies on defending his Tour de France title. The Kenyan-born British rider has not raced the Giro since being disqualified for taking a tow in 2010.

Irish rider Philip Deignan, a stage winner on the Vuelta a España, will line up in a Grand Tour for Sky for the first time, and will have home advantage at the start as this year's Giro begins with three stages in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Dario Cataldo, Salvatore Puccio , Pete Kennaugh, Ben Swift, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Bernhard Eisel, Sebastian Henao and Kanstantsin Siutsou complete the Team Sky line-up.

Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: "The Giro d’Italia is a fantastic race and this year provides a great opportunity for the team to go out and really express themselves on the bike.

"We’ve brought together an exciting squad and we can’t wait, not only for the start in Northern Ireland, but to perform in front of our Italian fans."

Deignan added: “As soon as I heard that the Giro d’Italia was starting in Northern Ireland it was a goal of mine to be there, and racing there with Team Sky is a real honour for me. We’re going with a good balance of youth and experience; we’re all looking forward to it.

"Growing up in County Donegal I never dreamt of riding a Grand Tour here in Ireland and this is my chance. I’m going to relish every minute of it racing in front of my friends and family.”

Edvald Boasson Hagen – age 26 – Norway

Returning to the scene of his Grand Tour debut back in 2009, the multi-talented Norwegian excels both in the sprints and setting a tempo on the climbs. He is a former stage winner at the Giro d’Italia.

Dario Cataldo – age 29 – Italy

The previous Italian TT champion will line up for an impressive seventh Grand Tour start at his home race. Two 12th placed finishes at the Giro d’Italia demonstrate not only class but also consistency.

Philip Deignan – age 30 – Ireland

The Irishman recently returns from a broken collarbone, Deignan is a strong climber, not to mention a Grand Tour stage winner at the Vuelta a Espana.

Bernhard Eisel – age 33 – Austria

One of the most experienced and well-respected competitors in the peloton, the 33-year-old Austrian brings horsepower and speed, as well as knowledge gained from 14 previous Grand Tour outings.

Sebastian Henao – age 20 – Colombia

Making his Grand Tour debut in his first season as a professional, a string of assured climbing performances sees the Colombian rewarded with a start at the biggest race of his career.

Pete Kennaugh – age 24 – Great Britain

Following a strong 2013, the Manxman starts his third Giro d’Italia climbing strongly and fresh from recent victory at Settimana Coppi e Bartali.

Salvatore Puccio – age 24 – Italy

A year on from famously donning the Maglia Rosa leader’s jersey in his Grand Tour debut, the Italian returns to his home race a stronger and more well-rounded rider.

Kanstantsin Siutsou – age 31 – Belarus  

Another former stage winner at the Giro d’Italia, the Belarusian tasted success one day after teammate Boasson Hagen back in 2009. A top-10 finisher in the event, ‘Kosta’ is a valuable asset in any three-week stage race.

Ben Swift – age 26 – Great Britain

Currently riding with good form including sprint victories and a podium at Milan-San Remo, the Brit will hope to put his fast finish to good use as he hones in on a landmark Grand Tour stage win.