Chris Froome has been left out of Team Ineos’ Tour de France squad.
There had been some doubt four-time winner Froome had the form to make the squad following injuries from a crash a year ago.
Geraint Thomas, who won in 2018, also misses out, with the team focusing on last year’s winner Egan Bernal and 2019 Giro d’Italia victor Richard Carapaz.
“Chris needs that little bit longer to get to the highest level,” said team boss Dave Brailsford.
Froome, who is leaving Ineos at the end of the current season, will instead lead them at the Vuelta a Espana in October, while Thomas will do so at the Giro d’Italia.
Froome, 35, has won seven Grand Tour races, including the Vuelta in 2011 and 2017, and the Giro d’Italia in 2018.
“Chris is a true champion who has demonstrated incredible grit and determination to come back from his crash last year,” added Brailsford.
“We want to support him to compete for another Grand Tour title and the Vuelta gives him that little bit more time to continue his progress to the top level.”
Thomas, 34, will attempt to win his second Grand Tour in Italy, also in October.
“Geraint will target the Giro and take on the opportunity to double up his Tour de France win with another Grand Tour title, with the aim of being the first Welshman to win it,” said Brailsford.
More to follow
