And ahead of a year which will include the defence of his Tour title, and possibly a place in both the Olympic time trial and road race for Great Britain, Froome has committed his future to Britain’s only WorldTour team.

“Team Sky have been fundamental to my success to date, so it was a very easy decision to commit to the Team until the end of 2018,” he said.

“Their values are my values and I am proud to ride for a team that has shown that you can win the biggest bike races in the world clean. 2015 was a fantastic year for me both professional and personally and this is a great kick start to 2016.

– Chris Froome: the pressure’s on, but I have to keep improving –

“I am more motivated than I have ever been and I have got big targets for this Olympic year. I can’t wait to start racing.”

The news comes as Sir Dave Brailsford reiterated the team’s desire to be the undisputed premier cycling team in the world by 2020.

And the Team Sky principal is delighted their number one rider has extended his contract with the team.

“By 2020, when we look back on the decade, we want Team Sky to be seen as the most consistent and successful Grand Tour team as well as one that is regularly winning Classics,” he added.

“2015 was a good year and I am proud of what we achieved together but our appetite for success has never been greater.

– Sir Dave Brailsford wants Team Sky to be world’s best, ‘indisputably and consistently’ –

“Our focus is always on continuous improvement and what we can do better. We must challenge ourselves every day to push harder for more success in 2016 on and off the bike – and I believe that we have the team that can deliver that.

“It is a really strong group of riders with the best talent from Britain and abroad. Their different strengths give us real depth and more options.”