Tuesday 18 June 2013 19:02, UK
Chris Froome has admitted Sir Bradley Wiggins's absence is a blow to his chances of winning the Tour de France but remains confident of claiming the yellow jersey in Paris.
Froome also admitted that not having Mark Cavendish in the Team Sky squad will be a benefit. Cavendish, the then world champion, rode for Team Sky last year and was keen to be supported in sprints, adding extra demands on support riders already geared towards helping Wiggins in the mountains. This year, all eight team-mates will be riding solely for their leader.