Simon Yates set to make Tour de France return

The 24-year-old from Bury will race alongside Orica-Scott team-mate Esteban Chaves at this year's Tour, the team announced on Thursday.

The Colombian had been expected to carry the team's general classification hopes but Yates' inclusion means they effectively now plan to make a two-pronged attack on the overall podium.

Yates was banned for four months in June 2016. His team said the failed test had been caused by an administrative error over the use of an asthma inhaler and that there had been no wrongdoing by the rider. He returned to the saddle to claim a creditable sixth place in last year's Vuelta a Espana.

Yates' twin brother Adam finished fourth in last year's Tour but will not compete in France this summer, focusing instead on the 100th edition of the Giro d'Italia.

The Yates brothers and Chaves may all compete at the 2017 Vuelta but Orica-Scott will take a decision on that later in the year.