Chris Froome believes he launches his Tour de France title defence this weekend with the best Team Sky squad ever assembled.
The 29-year-old will be supported by Richie Porte, Bernhard Eisel, Vasil Kiryienka, David Lopez, Mikel Nieve, Danny Pate, Geraint Thomas and Xabier Zandio over the next three weeks as he aims to hold on to his Tour de France crown following last year’s success.
And ahead of the race kicking off in Leeds on Saturday Froome is adamant he couldn’t ask for a better supporting cast.
"The team that I have got around me, I would say it is probably the strongest team that Team Sky has fielded at the Tour de France,” said Froome, who is fit again following a crash during last month's Criterium du Dauphine.
"We are ready for this. I know each and every one of us are going to give it our absolute all for the next three weeks."
© Sportsbeat 2014