Chris Froome can’t wait for ‘special’ FOURTH Tour de France bid as Team Sky unveil squad

CHRIS FROOME reckons he is more motivated than ever to win his FOURTH Tour de France as Team Sky named their team for the race.

The 32-year-old will be deputised by British duo Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe for the three week race.

This year's Tour gets underway in Dusseldorf before stages head into Belgium and then France.

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But the race is being tipped as one of the most open in years, with less high mountain stages than in previous years - where Froome makes his climbing legs count.

He said: "The Tour de France is a special race and it would just be incredible to win it for a fourth time.

"Aiming for that fourth victory has given me a lot of motivation.

"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."

Sky are widely acknowledged to have the top team in cycling - but his own form has been in question in recent races, finishing fourth at the Criterium du Dauphine.

Froome finished 1min 33sec behind winner Jakob Fuglsang, who is not expected to win the Tour and over a minute behind rival Richie Porte, who is one of the favourites in France.

Sky have had their own problems this year, with the Bradley Wiggins 'Jiffygate' saga still unresolved.

Team principal Dave Brailsford said: "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."