The 27-year-old Briton is anxious to succeed Sky teammate Sir Bradley Wiggins as Tour winner in July and has so far focused his season around a shot at glory in the world’s most important cycling race.

His sole leadership came into question when Wiggins said at the end of last year that he would like to bid for a second successive victory in Paris.

However, Froome told Sky Sports News he is certain to lead Sky's Tour campaign.

"I am 100 per cent leader," he said. "That hasn't changed since January. From what I understand, everyone has bought into that plan and that is the way we are going to go into the Tour.”

"Personally, especially this year, being in this position as leader, I feel like I have been given such an opportunity, such a privilege to be that last guy who is protected all the time, and it is quite a special feeling."