Froome, not Wiggins, to lead Sky at Tour de France

Chris Froome (l) will lead Team Sky's Tour de France campaign ahead of 2012 winner Sir Bradley Wiggins (r). Picture: Getty

Froome played a vital role in helping Sir Bradley Wiggins claim victory in the 2012 Tour, finishing second overall himself but Team Sky stated back in January that the 2013 campaign would be built around Froome, with Wiggins in support.

Wiggins’ main stated aim of 2013 was overall victory in the Giro d’Italia, which got under way on Saturday, and Brailsford said the strategy set out at the start of the year remains in place.

“As always the team selection is a management decision and it will be evidence-based,” he told www.teamsky.com.

“However it is crucial there is clarity of purpose and for that reason we will go to the Tour with one leader.

“Taking that into consideration and given Chris’ step up in performances this year, our plan, as it has been since January is to have him lead the Tour de France team.”