Rotherham cyclist Russell Downing is set to make his Grand Tour debut, after being included in Team Sky’s squad for the Giro D’Italia.

Downing joined up with the team last season following his triumph in the Tour of Ireland in 2009.

“I can’t wait to test myself against the best in the business in the sprints and hopefully a few of the punchier stages might suit me” he said.

The 32 year old will join fellow Brit Peter Kennaugh in the nine man squad, led by Sweden’s Thomas Lofkvist.

The Tour begins in Turin on 7 May and will finish in Milan on 29th May.