The INEOS Grenadiers have confirmed the eight riders who will take on the 110th edition of the Tour de France.

Starting in Bilbao, Spain, on 1 July, the race heads into France on Stage 3, culminating with the iconic Champs-Elysées finish on 23 July.

The 2023 route features one individual time trial, four summit finishes and covers 3,405km over 21 stages.

The INEOS Grenadiers selected for the 2023 Tour de France are

• Egan Bernal
• Jonathan Castroviejo
• Omar Fraile
• Michal Kwiatkowski
• Daniel Martinez
• Tom Pidcock
• Carlos Rodriguez
• Ben Turner

Rod Ellingworth, Deputy Team Principal

This is a great route and one which will see hard, full-gas racing right from the start. We know anything can happen over three weeks of a Grand Tour and we also know the demands of an event where heat and altitude play a big part.

We’ve selected an exciting group of riders that bring a mix of skills and experience. The strength of this team will lie in the way we take on the race, and how we approach each stage with the options we have.

The whole team’s really thrilled for Egan, and everyone who’s supported him in his return to full fitness. It’s a demonstration of his character and resilience, and the extraordinary effort he’s put into his recovery over the past 18 months. Of course, as a previous winner, he brings invaluable insight and a winning attitude to the group. His grit and determination sum up what we’re all about as a team, and all our riders will benefit from his experience at the Tour.

Tom showed last year what a hugely exciting talent he is and his victory on Alpe d’Huez was just brilliant. We’re looking forward to seeing him progress once again, applying what he learned last year.

In Kwiato, Dani, Castro and Omar we have an abundance of experience and skill – each one of these guys knows what it takes to win at the top level.

For Carlos and Ben, both making their Tour de France debuts, this is a big moment, and one they’re both looking to absorb and embrace. They’re both top quality bike riders, so they’ll certainly be ready to grab any opportunities along the way.

We know there are going to be a lot of new fans watching this year given the success of ‘Unchained’ on Netflix, and whether they’re on the roadside or in their living rooms, we’re looking to give them plenty to cheer about.

Egan Bernal – 26, Colombia

Making my return to the Tour has always been a major goal for me. I’m so excited to be able to experience every kilometre of this race again.

I’m sure many people have followed everything that has happened to me since my accident in January last year, and the journey I’ve been through to overcome the greatest test of my life. Being a part of this year’s Tour team reassures me that I’m on my way to returning to my best.

This race is also an opportunity for me to show my gratitude and commitment to the team that continually supported me throughout, to thank each person who has helped me, from the nurses who took care of me in the hospital, the doctors, my friends, family, teammates and INEOS.

Above all I want to take this opportunity to inspire people and show them that, even if everything seems lost, we can trust in God. Be strong, because life only comes to us once and we must appreciate the second chances we’re given and take advantage of every second.

Tom Pidcock – 23, Great Britain

I’m really excited to be back at the Tour de France for what promises to be another beautiful three weeks.

To win an iconic stage and wear the white jersey in 2022 are lifelong memories, and this year I want to build on that as I continue to progress my career. We’ve got an exciting group of riders and we’ll be looking to race with intent and be tactically smart, as we execute the plans we’ve developed as a team.

As I experienced for the first time last year, the Tour is the toughest race of all, but it’s also the most beautiful and historic – which is what makes it so iconic. The opportunity to tackle it again alongside my teammates and some of the best riders in the world, in front of so many passionate fans, is one that I relish.

Jonathan Castroviejo – 36, Spain

I’m really happy to be selected for the Tour this year, especially as it starts in my home city – and the thought of racing past my house on the first stage is crazy, I’m sure it will be an incredible experience.

I’m feeling in really good shape and hope to be able to help the Team as much as possible, and light up this race.

Daniel Martinez – 27, Colombia

To be a part of this team and ride the Tour de France is always an honour, I’m really motivated to get out there, start racing with my teammates and see what we can do.

I’m feeling good and want to do the best I can for the team, so I can’t wait to get to Bilbao and get going!

Omar Fraile – 32, Spain

To be selected for the Tour de France always feels very special, it’s my favourite time of the year. I love the build up to it and then the excitement of arriving at the Grand Départ. The Tour is always next level!

Competing for this team is also a real honour and the Tour this year is going to be one of the most special, one of the most beautiful, because it starts in the Basque Country, my home.

That is super-motivating to think about, lining up in my town for this team in front of my family and friends. It doesn’t get more special than that.

Michal Kwiatkowski – 33, Poland

To make the team after the setbacks I went through last year is already a huge motivation for me. It will be a challenging edition with a lot of climbing and some very difficult stages.

My hope is to take it day by day, chance by chance and not get too excited early as the first stages are always quite hectic. I will be there for my teammates and if I see a chance for myself, I’ll go for it.

I’m super excited about our team line-up. I’m confident we can stand out on numerous days, with big talents like Egan, Tom, Dani and others driving us forward. This year we have the freedom to be really tactical – to seize opportunities and take calculated risks.

This dynamic might just be the unique advantage we need and perfectly illustrates our all-in mentality.

Carlos Rodriguez – 22, Spain

For me, riding the Tour is an absolute dream come true. Since I was a small boy, I watched the race on TV and always dreamed of riding it one day.

Having the opportunity to do my first Tour de France in this team, with this group of guys, makes it even more special. I can’t wait.

Ben Turner – 24, Great Britain

It’s an absolute dream for me to start the Tour de France. I remember going to watch the start as a kid in Yorkshire so to be here now is incredible. I never thought I’d pin a number on for this race so it will be a moment I’ll always remember.”

I’m so grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity. I’ve been working really hard and feel great, and I’m so thankful to the many people who helped me recover from the crash I had at the Dauphine.

I really want to soak up my first Tour – experience every part of it and learn. Mostly I want to give everything I have to support my teammates, and finish in Paris knowing I did my best.