• Tour de France

Froome frustrated at Team Sky role

ESPN staff
July 15, 2012
Chris Froome has been key to Bradley Wiggins' Tour de France campaign © PA Photos
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Chris Froome has admitted his frustration at having to play second fiddle to Bradley Wiggins during the Tour de France.

Froome currently sits second in the general classification standings behind Wiggins, but his priority is to support his team-mate as he bids to become the first British winner of the prestigious race.

Froome has shown himself to be stronger than his team-mates in the mountains, and he believes he has what it takes to win the Tour.

During the gruelling climb up La Toussuire during Thursday's Stage 11, Froome launched an attack, but was told to drop back and wait for his team leader.

But with the centenary race next year expected to be more mountainous, Froome hopes Team Sky will repay him for his loyalty and promote him to team leader.

"It all depends on the route. If there are Cols [summit finishes] I hope Sky will be honest and all my team-mates will be at my service, with the same loyalty I have shown today," Froome told L'Equipe.

"I could win this Tour, but not at Sky. I cannot lie to you, it's difficult, but it's my job. It's a very, very great sacrifice. We have a strategy around Wiggins and everybody respects it.

"If I feel that the Tour can be lost, I will follow the best riders, be that [Cadel] Evans or [Vincenzo] Nibali, to preserve our chance and be sure of Sky's presence."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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