Despite Bradley Wiggins claims earlier this week that he would not ride the Tour de France, Sky boss Sir Dave Brailsford says that Wiggins is not out of the running. Brailsford is in charge of who rides the Tour and he will make his decision after the Criterium du Dauphine concludes next Sunday.

“Despite the impression that might have been created, the team for the Tour is not yet finalised. I will be the one making the decision on who is in the team,” he told the Sunday Times.

“I speak with our performance team. The riders can offer an opinion but they don’t select the team and never will.”

Brailsford also reiterated that Froome will lead the Tour team regardless as he is defending champion but Wiggins may still make the team but he would only be doing so in a supporting role. Should he make the team, Wiggins would also be a favourite along with Tony Martin and teammate Froome to take the stage 20 individual time trial. 

“We knew from last year that my job was to build a team around Chris Froome because he’s the rider most likely to win this year’s Tour de France. In building the team I have to take the group dynamic into consideration,” he said.

“Trust and harmony are important considerations and it’s a difficult decision. I’m not just talking about the harmony between Chris and Brad but harmony amongst all the riders and staff.

“People should be careful before thinking Chris is making decisions here. Chris is a great bike rider, he deserves to lead our team but ultimately he doesn’t pick the team. I do.”