Chris Froome
Chris Froome successfully defended his Tour de France crown in 2016 Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • Froome searching for a fourth individual title, with Team Sky aiming to seal their fifth overall.
  • Co-captain Geraint Thomas has recovered from injuries suffered at May's Giro d'Italia.
  • Wout Poels, Ian Stannard and Peter Kennaugh all miss out.

As expected, defending champion Chris Froome will spearhead Team Sky's quest for a third consecutive Tour de France title and a fifth in six years next month.

The three-time winner will go in search of a fourth Yellow Jersey supported by a very capable and experienced cast of riders led by key lieutenant and co-captain Geraint Thomas, who was forced to withdraw from the Giro d'Italia in May with injuries sustained when a stationary police motorbike caused an ugly pile-up on stage nine from Montenero di Bisaccia to Blockhaus.

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Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa, Mikel Nieve and fellow Briton Luke Rowe will also join Froome for the 104th edition of the world-famous Grand Tour event that begins with a 14-kilometre time trial in Dusseldorf on 1 July and concludes 22 days later on the Champs-Elysees.

Dutchman Wout Poels misses out following a serious knee injury that has limited him to just one race - the Route du Sud - since February, while Ian Stannard and Peter Kennaugh are the two other headline omissions.

"The Tour de France is a special race and it would just be incredible to win it for a fourth time," Froome said after Team Sky officially announced their lineup on Thursday (22 June). "Aiming for that fourth victory has given me a lot of motivation.

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"To me, each Tour tells a different story. Every Tour is a different battle in terms of getting that Yellow Jersey and then trying to hold on to it. We're ready as a team and I can't wait for the Tour to start now. Honestly, I just love it. It's a feeling that you don't get from any other race."

Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford appeared bullish on Froome's chances, adding: "We're really looking forward to the Tour. Chris is in good shape and he's ready for it. To win the Tour once is a huge achievement, but to win it a fourth time would be remarkable.

"We've selected a strong and experienced lineup who will support him, and we'll be looking to use the strength of the team to our advantage."