Sunday 29 May 2016 19:33, UK
Prince Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa has officially launched the new Bahrain Cycling Team and heightened speculation that Giro d’Italia winner Vincenzo Nibali will be their lead rider.
The team has been mooted for several months and confirmation of its entrance into the sport came when the Prince posted a photo of himself in branded team clothing on Instagram along with the words "Bahrain Cycling Team will inspire, race hard, and look elegant".
Nibali, who won the Giro for the second time on Sunday, has been linked with a move to the new team and Prince Nasser fuelled rumours by congratulating the Italian on Instagram.
The prince posted a photo of Nibali with the words "Well done champ!! One of the greatest come backs ever done in a big tour like giro d'italia".
It is expected the Bahrain Cycling Team will apply for a UCI WorldTour licence.
