Chris Froome to lead charge as Team Sky announce Tour de France line-up

Welsh duo Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe are also named in the squad which includes Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa and Mikel Nieve.

"The Tour de France is a special race and it would just be incredible to win it for a fourth time," Froome, 32, winner in 2013, 2015 and 2016, said in a Team Sky statement.

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

Thomas is set to be Froome's co-captain and a possible contender for General Classification behind 32-year-old Froome, who is aiming to add to his titles in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Team Sky are bidding for a fifth victory overall at the event.

Team Principal Dave Brailsford will be hoping for a smooth ride over the three-week race after a rocky year in which he became embroiled in the so-called "jiffy bag saga".

Mastermind of Team Sky's Tour dominance, Brailsford has been under fire for failing to prove what was in a medical package ordered by a team doctor at the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine. Team Sky and British Cycling have both been subjects of an investigation by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) into allegations of wrongdoing in the sport. Both denied any doping violations.

Sky's hopes of winning the Giro were also scuppered when Thomas and Landa were involved in a crash.

"We're really looking forward to the Tour. Chris is in good shape and he's ready for it," Brailsford said.

"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."

The race begins on July 1 and runs until July 23.