Chris Froome: Two-time Tour de France winner extends Team Sky contract until 2018

Two-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome has extended his contract with Team Sky. The 30-year-old, who in July 2015 became the first Briton in history to win cycling's most prestigious race for a second time courtesy of a 72-second advantage over nearest rival Nairo Quintana, will now remain with Sir Dave Brailsford's team until at least the end of 2018.

"Team Sky have been fundamental to my success to date, so it was a very easy decision to commit to the team until the end of 2018," Froome said. "Their values are my values and I am proud to ride for a team that has shown that you can win the biggest bike races in the world clean.

"2015 was a fantastic year for me both professional and personally and this is a great kick-start to 2016. I am more motivated than I have ever been and I have got big targets for this Olympic year. I can't wait to start racing."

Froome's dominance of the tour, which he first won in 2013, coupled with the sport's controversial history, led to increased scrutiny of his performance and unfounded accusations from some onlookers that he could not be riding clean.

In order to combat those baseless doping slurs that even led to the Kenyan-born rider being hit with a cup of urine during stage 14 from Rodez to Mende, in December 2015 he released data from independent physiological tests undertaken after his latest victory. Results from 2007 were also released in order for the necessary comparisons to be made.

Of Froome's decision to sign an extension, Team Sky general manager Brailsford added: "Chris is not only one of the most talented and dedicated riders in the world, he is also a fantastic ambassador for the sport.

"Team Sky is proud to have him as our team leader. He is a winner and it is a great boost at the start of the new season that he has committed to stay with the team to the end of 2018. He is hungry for more success and we will help him achieve it."