All winter the cycling world was buffeted by stories of Chris Froome’s dream of winning the Tour de France before taking Gold in the Rio Road Race and Time Trial at the Olympics. Now, Froome has said that if he is beginning to tire, he will put all of his efforts into supporting Geraint Thomas at the Rio Road Race.

"If G is flying and I'm struggling, then definitely (I'd support him), absolutely," Froome, 30, told SBS Cycling Central. "I'd be happy playing a role if it meant we could have an Olympic champion."

Froome insists the two men will communicate well this season and will work selflessly for each other if and when the time comes.

"The key to all of this is communication. Especially with G. We've been riding together now for coming up to 10 years," he said. "At the Olympics it will be a very honest, open discussion between us out on the road. "Who's feeling good? Can we get the job done today? Will you pull? Will you not pull? It's that team dynamic."