Sir Bradley Wiggins relishes London-Surrey Classic

Sir Bradley Wiggins says that he is relishing the chance to lead out his newly formed Wiggins team on home roads in Sunday's London-Surrey Classic.

The 35-year-old set a new hour record in London in June and is focusing on track events at Rio 2016, but will compete in the race along with former Team Sky team-mate Mark Cavendish.

"This race is very special," said four-time Olympic champion Wiggins.

"It's always fantastic to race on home roads."

The course follows a similar route to the one over which the London 2012 road race was contested.

Cavendish missed out on that occasion as Great Britain found themselves working against most of the rest of the field, but the Manxman, who now rides for Etixx-Quick-Step, is determined to challenge for this year's race after being forced out of last year's by injury., external

"This race is already an event every rider wants to win and you can't beat racing in front of British crowds. After missing out in 2014 I was determined to ride in 2015," he said.

Defending champion Adam Blythe is also on the start-line. The Sheffield rider held off fellow Briton Ben Swift to win last year.

A mass participation ride will follow the elite race, starting in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then following a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey's countryside.

On Saturday, double Olympic champion Laura Trott, who won the Grand Prix criterium race around the streets of central London in 2013, will attempt to regain her title from Italian Giorgia Bronzini.

Trott will be representing her new team Matrix Pro Cycling, while Dani King, who rides alongside her as part of Great Britain's team pursuit squad, will be supporting Wiggle Honda team-mate Bronzini.