Pete Kennaugh, the Olympic champion, is focused on his role supporting Chris Froome after being named in Team Sky's Tour de France line-up yesterday.
Froome's bid to succeed Sir Bradley Wiggins in the yellow jersey will be aided by three Britons – debutants Ian Stannard, Kennaugh and Geraint Thomas – after Team Sky announced their nine-man squad for the 100th edition of the race, which begins in Corsica tomorrow week.
"I'm really happy to be one of the nine guys selected from such a strong team," said Kennaugh. "My role is to try to be there at the important times on the climbs for Froome, set a good tempo and really protect him."
Froome, the 2012 runner-up behind Wiggins, leads Team Sky, with the defending champion absent with a knee injury.
Australia's Richie Porte, Norway's Edvald Boasson Hagen, Belarus duo Vasil Kiryienka and Kanstantsin Siutsou and David Lopez of Spain complete the team.
Rod Ellingworth, Team Sky performance manager, who has nurtured much of Britain's young talent in recent years, including Mark Cavendish, informed Kennaugh of his selection yesterday. The 24-year-old had an inkling he would be in the squad after his performance in helping Froome to victory in traditional Tour warm-up the Criterium du Dauphine and the subsequent training camp in Chatel, France.
"I had a good idea I'd be in it then, but it's nice to hear you've officially been selected," said Kennaugh, who had expected next year's Tour to be a more realistic prospect. "To be a year ahead of where we want to be is good."
Kennaugh and Thomas won London 2012 team pursuit gold last August, but the Manxman endured a troubled year and his Olympic participation was in doubt due to a pelvis injury. "I had a bit of a slow start to this season, but it's all turned out good," he said.
Froome, the GB squad's No.1 who has won four of the five races he has entered this season, is "delighted" with the balance in the team. "We're ready, excited and can't wait to get going," he said
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