Sylvain Chavanel will lead the IAM team in the Vuelta a Andalucia, with the Spanish race forming an important part of his build-up for the classics. He will be joined by climbers Sebastien Reichenbacj, Jerome Coppel and Stefan Denifl who are expected to g for GC in the mountainous event.

After Lotto Soudal announced their roster a few weeks ago, IAM is the second team to reveal which riders will line up at the Vuelta a Andalucia in February. The Spanish stage race is usually an important preparation race for the classics and the first major stage races and this year it has attracted a strong line-up that includes Alberto Contador and Chris Froome.

The IAM leader in the race will be Sylcain Chavanel who will use the race to prepare for the classics. The Frenchman is unlikely to be in contention for the overall victory but may test his legs in some of the hilly stages while he is likely to also go for victory in the time trial on the first day.

The stage race offers to summit finishes, meaning that it is expected to suit the climbers. IAM have three cards to play in the battle for the overall victory, with talented Sebastian Reichenbach eager to continue his progress, Stefan Denifl eager to return to form after a recent injury and Jerome Coppel keen to get his career at IAM off to a great start.

For the sprint stages, the team may count on solid all-rounder Aleksejs Saramotins who has a pretty fast finish while Jerome Pineau will provide useful experience. Pirmin Lang completes the 7-rider roster.

The Vuelta a Andalucia takes place from February 18-22.