Darren Rafferty has been named by EF Education-EasyPost for La Vuelta, which will be the Co Tyrone rider's first Grand Tour, having just turned 21-years-old last month.
It is an exciting step forward for Rafferty - the newly minted Irish elite road race champion - who performed very well when selected for Critérium du Dauphiné in June.
He will be part of a team led by former Giro winner, and Tour de France 2024 stage winner and king of the mountains, Richard Carapaz.
Also in the team with Carapaz and Rafferty are: James Shaw, Jefferson Alexander Cepeda, Rui Costa, Owain Doull, Harry Sweeny and Rigoberto Urán.
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The race gets underway with an individual TT in Lisbon on Saturday, with Rafferty joining fellow Irishman Eddie Dunbar (Team Jayco AlUla) on the start line, providing plenty of Irish interest in the three week race.
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Carapaz, who will be riding for the general classification, said he had every confidence in the team.
"La Vuelta a España is a super special race for me," he said. "I’ve already worn the red jersey. I’ve been on the podium and won a couple of stages. The aim for me is clear: This year we want to go for the GC win and get the best possible result for the team.
"It’s also a special race because it reminds me of my first years as a pro cyclist. Being in Spain is like racing at home for me. I will be this year’s leader for the team. I want to win the race.
"After the Tour de France, I had some days at home to recover and recharge my batteries. I then started training again as usual in altitude in Andorra, climbing a lot of cols and acclimatizing my body to the heat. Now, I feel prepared and ready to be at the start of La Vuelta."
