Support role for Froome

CHRIS FROOME will not lead Israel Start-Up Nation at the Tour de France this month.

Instead, the Briton’s Canadian team-mate Michael Woods will be challenging to win the race, which begins on June 26.

Froome, who was injured in a crash at Criterium du Dauphine in 2019, had said recently that he did not have the form to bid for a fifth crown.

Woods, fifth overall at the Tour de Suisse, said: “I’m honoured to be given this position, especially considering the quality the team have.”

Froome (above) is expected to be in the eight-man Tour de France squad, although that has yet to be confirmed.