Froome joins Vuelta battle royale

It's Round Two for the world's top Grand Tour racers as Team Sky's Chris Froome signals his participation.

Chris Froome wil ljoin Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintana at the Vuelta a España (Getty) Source: Getty Images

Chris Froome has indicated that he will start the Vuelta a España, joining rivals Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing).

The Team Sky rider and 2015 Tour de France winner indicated that he would line up for the Spanish Grand Tour via Twitter.

Team Sky has yet to reveal its final nine riders, but Team Sky confirmed to Cyclingnews that Froome is on its 14-rider long list for the race. Geraint Thomas and Sergio Henao are also likely to race.

The Vuelta is shaping up to be something of a rematch for the main Tour de France contenders, with many of the major animators of that race heading to Spain later this month. Quintana, who came second to Froome in the Tour de France, will be joined by teammate Alejandro Valverde, while Nibali will race alongside fellow Italian and Giro d'Italia runner up Fabio Aru and breakout star Mikel Landa.

Tinkoff-Saxo's Alberto Contador will not start his home race, having finished his season already.

SBS will broadcast and livestream the final eight stages of the Vuelta a España with a daily highlights show planned for all stages.