Geraint Thomas showed the form that saw him win the Tour de France in 2018 when he triumphed in the Tour de Romandie last year ©Getty Images

Britain’s Geraint Thomas will be aiming to rediscover top form to retain the Tour de Romandie title as he prepares to lead the Ineos Grenadiers team in Switzerland.

The 2018 Tour de France winner topped the podium at the International Cycling Union WorldTour event last year, beating team-mate Richie Porte of Australia by 28 seconds.

Fellow British rider and Tour de France champion Chris Froome, of Israel-Premier Tech, will also be hoping to return to his best after winning back-to-back Tour de Romandie crowns in 2013 and 2014.

The UAE Team Emirates team will be without Olympic bronze medallist Tadej Pogačar.

The Slovenian was unable to defend the Liège-Bastogne-Liège title after pulling out of the event, resulting in American Brandon McNulty taking his place.

McNulty will be looking to secure his maiden World Tour title in Switzerland, while his team-mate Juan Ayuso of Spain is also expected to be in the mix for top honours.

Jumbo-Visma have also been weakened by the absence of Slovenian Primož Roglič, a winner of the Tour de Romandie in 2018 and 2019, due to injury.

Rohan Dennis of Australia is set to be the team leader for Jumbo-Visma.

Competition is set to get under way in Swiss city Lausanne tomorrow and run until Sunday (May 1).