By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 11:23, Saturday, 11 August 2012

Britain's Olympian cyclists Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish are hoping to take part in the Tour of Britain race, which comes to Cumbria next month.

Bradley Wiggins with his gold medal

Speculation about the pair hit fever pitch when Daniel Benson, managing editor of Cycle News tweeted that the organisers had confirmed their participation.

But Sophie Molyneux, of Tour of Britain, told the News & Star they were still waiting to hear from Team Sky that Wiggins and Cavendish would be in its line up.

She said: “We know that Bradley and Mark have said they want to ride.

“It is likely and probable but it isn’t something we can confirm. It would make sense because it would be like a lap of honour after the Tour de France and the Olympics.”

A spokesman for Team Sky said: “Nothing has been confirmed. There are lots of factors the coaches have to go through in terms of finalising the line up.”

Wiggins’ victory in this year’s Tour de France made him the first British winner in the race’s 109-year history.

He has seven Olympic medals including a gold in the men’s individual time trials at London 2012.

Cavendish missed out on an Olympic medal in the men’s road race but is the 2011 road race world champion and the reigning BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The Tour of Britain arrives in Carlisle on September 12.

The 97-mile leg will start from outside the Old Town Hall, taking in a loop of Castle Way before heading south through Penrith and Shap, finishing in Blackpool.

First published at 10:53, Saturday, 11 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk