WEST YORKSHIRE rider Tom Pidcock is due to lead Team Wiggins in the Tour of Britain next week.

His team are late entrants into the event, which starts on Sunday from Pembrey Country Park in Carmarthenshire, following the sudden demise of Irish team Aqua Blue Sport.

Team Wiggins have twice taken part in the Tour of Britain before, with current Team Sky rider Owain Doull finishing third overall in 2015, while Sir Bradley Wiggins himself won the event in Sky colours in 2013.

Pidcock, whose father Giles used to be the race director of Otley Town centre cycle races, said: "I'm delighted to have an opportunity to ride in the Tour of Britain with Wiggins. Obviously the team has a strong affiliation with the race, with Sir Brad being a former winner and Owain's impressive ride in 2015."

The 19-year-old added: "I am really looking forward to mixing it up against some of the big UCI WorldTour teams again. Riding in front of British fans is always a great experience and hopefully our team can give them plenty to cheer about over the course of the race."

Aqua Blue Sport announced on Monday that they would cease racing at the end of the season after talks with another team over a merger fell apart to leave the future of riders including former British champion Adam Blythe uncertain.

It was expected they would see out the campaign, including the Tour of Britain, but race organisers confirmed on Tuesday they had withdrawn from the event.

Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome are due to race for Team Sky.