STORYLINE:

With all three favourites taking a fall in the last few weeks, Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme says the outcome of the French classic race has never been so uncertain.

While four-time winner Chris Froome has announced he would not be in Brussels for the first stage on 6th July because of a broken leg, last year's Yellow Jersey Geraint Thomas confirmed his participation despite a crash in the Tour de Suisse.

Their Columbian teammate Egan Bernal also fell during training in early May.

Prudhomme also said on Wednesday that he doesn't like the use of real time data in the Tour de France.

The Frenchman said "Bluffing should exist or at least make a come back. At one point, a racing cyclist should be able to trick another into believing that he's not feeling that bad."

SHOTLIST: Boulogne-Billancourt, France. 19th June 2019 / File

Boulogne-Billancourt, France. 19th June 2019

1. 00:00 Close of Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme giving interview

2. 00:05 Wide of Prudhomme during interview

Doncaster, England, UK. 1st May 2019

3. 00:11 Various of Chris Froome at Team Ineos launch

Boulogne-Billancourt, France. 19th June 2019

4. 00:31 SOUNDBITE (French): Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director:

"The Tour de France with Chris Froome and without is not the same thing. He has been the central character since, we'll say, 2013 – even if he was already here in 2012 and even if in 2012, with Bradley Wiggins, behind Bradley Wiggins, next to Bradley Wiggins, we talked about him a lot. So other scenarios are going to open up. There was this 'trident' with Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal – who wasn't expected in these circumstances with his fall that prevented him from taking part in the Giro – and this time, it's Geraint Thomas who fell during the Tour de Suisse. There's a succession of falls, three, involving the three leaders of the team (Ineos) just a few weeks apart as if bad luck never comes alone and hit the team hard. Of course, with that, things are going to change."

Paris, France. 29th July 2018.

5. 01:21 Thomas waving to crowd after Tour de France win

Cardiff, Wales, UK. 9th August 2018.

6. 01:30 Geraint Thomas holding Wales flag

Boulogne-Billancourt, France. 19th June 2019

7. SOUNDBITE (French): Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director:

"As a reference to the 100 years of the Yellow Jersey, we made sure that there were many mountain passes over 2000m and for the first time in the Tour de France's history, we will have 3 finishing lines over 2000m in altitude. The Tourmalet, Tignes and Val Thorens. We know that over 2000m the performances of each can change but we are nearly pretty sure that the Colombians won't be less strong at 2000m. And of course, Bernal is Columbian…"

8. 02:01 Mid of Prudhomme during interview

9. 02:07 SOUNDBITE (French): Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director:

"For me, it shouldn't be possible to have access in real time to the data from the power meters. That it should be possible to study it after the day's stage, yes, of course and the work done around the strategy is great and must be done in each team. Just not in real time. Bluffing should exist or at least make a come back. At one point, a racing cyclist should be able to trick another into believing that he's not feeling that bad. Power meters mean that racers never push themselves into the red zone which means that they can resist for a very very long time. But if you get into that red zone, because of your temperament or your instinct you let yourself be taken there, you will suffer later. These missteps are what make the competition exciting, it has fuelled the legend of these races and the Tour de France. We should be able to get that back and everybody should understand this. Now, of course, only victory matters and when you win or find yourself in a position to win, the only important thing is not the pleasure of your fans, but the victory."

10. 03:00 Mid of Prudhomme during interview

11. 03:05 SOUNDBITE (French): Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Director:

"Some want to present the world of Sports as a perfect world but it will never be. Things really have changed but unfortunately, there are always idiots out there and we should catch them and do everything we can to stop them because it's essential that people trust the results. Cycling really has changed – I'm sure of that – but I realise this is not an ideal world and I'm conscious of the fact that because of these idiots we have to continue carrying the weight of doping and it's a legitimate question."

12. 03:29 Pan of Tour de France map and Prudhomme during interview

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:38

STORYLINE:

Defending champion Geraint Thomas and Mark Cavendish spoke about the route for the 2019 Tour de France after it was announced in Paris on Thursday (25th October).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Next year's Tour de France will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the showcase race's iconic yellow jersey.

With France emerging from the carnage of World War I, the Tour offered its beacon of hope to the war-ravaged nation.

In 1919, the race leader's yellow jersey — which has become cycling's most iconic symbol — was introduced.

"It came straight out of the trenches, born from the rubble of a wounded France," Tour race director Christian Prudhomme said Thursday, unveiling the route for the July 6-28 race.

Joining Prudhomme on stage were five-time Tour winners Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain.

Only four riders, including Jacques Anquetil, have won five Tours; Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven titles for doping.

British rider Chris Froome will try to win his fifth title next year, but will have to depose his Team Sky teammate Geraint Thomas over the 3,460-kilometre (2,145-mile) race.

It features seven flat stages for sprinters, five hilly ones for all-rounders, seven mountain stages — five with summit finishes — one team time trial and one individual time trial.

The big climbs start in the Pyrenees before hitting the Alps.

The Tour has less of the Hors Categorie (Beyond Classification) climbs than before - those HC climbs are the most gruelling.

Instead, the race has more of the Category Two climbs — which are noticeably less difficult and favour attacking strategies.

Sky has won six of the past seven races, often controlling them in the mountains by easily repelling attacks.

This has given the team an aura of invincibility and the race a predictable tone.

With closer racing needed, the two time trials combine for a relatively low 54 kilometres, meaning specialists such as Froome have less chance to gain significant time advantages.

The race begins with a flat stage for sprinters around the city of Brussels and stays there the next day for the 27 kilometre team time trial.

After leaving Belgium, the Tour snakes through the Champagne and Lorraine regions.

Stage 4 for sprinters starts in Reims — the Champagne-producing city where 25 French kings were crowned in its cathedral.

With the race leaving the Alsace region, Stage 7 is the longest at 230 kilometres and made for sprinters.

The next day's stage is a hilly one, with several short but sharp climbs from Macon to Saint-Etienne.

The first rest day is July 16 in Albi in southern France, followed by a sprint stage before the Tour enters the high Pyrenees.

Stage 14 on July 20 features finishes with a climb up the Tourmalet pass, one of the most famed in Tour history.

Riders tackle three days of Alpine climbing on stages 18-20, featuring an ascent up the famed Galibier and imposing Iseran — standing 2,770 metres — and culminating with a relentless 33.4 kilometre trek up to the ski resort of Val Thorens.

After the weary peloton is flown towards Paris, the race ends the next day with its processional showcase stage on the Champs-Elysees.

Palais des Congres, Paris, France. 25th October 2018.

1. 00:00 Wide of cyclists walking on stage

2. 00:04 Mark Cavendish on stage

3. 00:10 Christopher Froome on stage

4. 00:19 Geraint Thomas on stage

5. 00:30 Froome and Thomas going back to their seats

6. 00:40 Geraint Thomas

7. 00:43 Christopher Froome

8. 00:47 Julian Alaphilippe

9. 00:51 Mark Cavendish

10. 00:57 Primoz Roglic

11. 01:01 Five-time Tour de France winners Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, and Miguel Indurain, Raymond Poulidor, French former professional bicycle racer known as "The Eternal Second", and Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme

(UPSOUND Raymond Poulidor "Between us four we have won 15 Tour de France")

12. 01:09 Pan of Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Raymond Poulidor on stage

13. 01:21 Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme arriving on stage with map of Tour de France 2019 on large screen

14. 01:26 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"It's solid, it's tough as ever, but it's hard to take in it all when it's so quick but there are some big stages, obviously a lot of climbs finishing over 2,000 metres, medium mountain days, you know, look hard as well so yes it's going to be a tough race."

15. 01:42 Close up Thomas' eyes

16. 01:47 SOUNDBITE (English) Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"Yeah I think that will be really nice, I've raced in Belgium quite a lot before in the past, so yeah it will be nice to go back and obviously team time trial which we are normally pretty good at. It will be nice to try and try and win that for a change, rather than second and third, which we always seem to be."

17. 02:03 Geraint Thomas talking to journalists

18. 02:07 SOUNDBITE (English): Mark Cavendish, British sprinter who has won 30 Tour de France stages:

"It's flat enough for me, it's 21 flat dates isn't it, but yes, when you've got six or seven spin opportunities that's good, that's fair and there is that, you know. We've got the climbs. I think although there's more climbing, probably more altitude metres, it's still probably (doesn't finish sentence).... 2018 was near-on impossible to reach Paris for most of the sprinters - just the position of the climbs and the layout of the stages whereas here, though there's more climbing there's actually a better opportunity for us. If we work hard, we get to Paris. This year, it didn't matter how hard you worked physiologically, we'd never get to Paris. I was sick in the end, but I don't think even if I was well I wouldn't have reached it. It's quite nice next year - I'm looking forward to it."

19. 02:54 Tour de France presentation on large screen

20. 02:59 Cavendish watching presentation

21. 02:17 SOUNDBITE (English): Mark Cavendish, British sprinter who won 30 Tour de France stages:

"Yeah I hope so. Just back on my bike now. Yeah, there's enough time to get health... to get fit, as long as I'm healthy so I'm monitoring my health at the minute and we'll see where I'm at."

(Journalist: What does the Tour de France mean?)

It's everything for me. It's everything for every bike rider. Even guys who don't ride the road, professional track riders always dreamt of one point or another riding the Tour de France. For me it's everything, it's my career, it's what I've built everything on. It's what I'll continue to do. It's the only reason I still ride a bike now."

22. 03:30 Cavendish leaving

23. 03:35 Wide pan from audience clapping to stage

23. 03:42 Audience listening

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:47

STORYLINE:

Geraint Thomas shared his emotions after being officially crowned the 2018 Tour de France champion on Sunday (29th July), the first Welshman to win the prestigious race on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Geraint Thomas won his first Tour de France title on Sunday, concluding his transformation from a support rider into a champion of cycling's biggest race.

The Welsh rider with Team Sky successfully defended his lead of 1 minute, 51 seconds over second-placed Tom Dumoulin in the mostly ceremonial final stage.

Thomas rode a yellow bike to match his yellow jersey and shared glasses of champagne with his team-mates during the casual ride into Paris before buckling down to keep up with the other leaders on the cobblestones of the Champs-Elysees.

Four-time champion Chris Froome, Thomas's team-mate, finished third, two minutes and 24 seconds behind, and rode next to Thomas as they crossed the line, with Froome applauding.

Thomas was a support rider during Froome's four victories but he emerged as Sky's strongest rider in this race when Froome crashed early on and couldn't keep up in the mountains.

The three-week race covered 3,351 kilometres (2,082 miles).

Paris, France. 29th July, 2018.

1. 00:00 Supporters applauding when cyclists pass by

2. 00:10 Geraint Thomas arrives at Sky autocar hours after he won the Tour de France

3. 00:24 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"You know we are always thinking about the process and what you do day after day and you never think at the outcome, the reaction. It all came flooding out at me quite literally yesterday. Yeah, like just see everyone, people I don't even know are over the moon about it and it's just so flattering and incredible."

4. 00:43 Supporters applauding with Welsh flag behind

5. 00:49 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"You know, I believed I could beat everyone on my day but to do it day after day and for three weeks, which is the first time I tried, yeah it's just insane. It's just been an amazing year and the confidence in riding on the crest of a wave, I am certainly going to enjoy this."

6. 01:04 Supporters clapping

7. 01:13 Geraint Thomas in front of the Sky autocar doing the Iceland 'Thunderclap' together with Sky Team manager Dave Brailsford

8. 01:37 Supporters clapping hands

9. 01:39 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"I had goose bumps coming down the Champs Elysees and the Welsh flags, all the support, it's just like 'I won the Tour, how has that all happened?'. It's just mental."

10. 01:52 Supporters with Welsh flag

11. 01:57 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

"Like I said, you don't think about this part, you think about winning and crossing the line in the yellow jersey, but you're never thinking about all the people that are going to message you, the kind messages you are going to get and all the support and all the random people that are saying how they have cried seeing you win and they never met me. It's just insane. I really appreciate all this support. Obviously, it's been a tough Tour from that side of things, but the support has never shown any negativity and that means so much to us."

12. 02:27 Chris Froome with team-mates

13. 02:34 SOUNDBITE (English): Dave Brailsford, Team Sky manager:

"The great thing about this particular Tour de France is that both guys are so experienced, they are both very mature and they were fantastic together, you know, there was no conflict, they supported each other. What a class by Chris Froome. The moment he realized he was not going to win the race, straight he went to help his teammate. That's the sign of a great, great champion."

14. 03:00 Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas with team mates

15. 03:17 Sky autocar and supporters

16. 03:22 Geraint Thomas greeting supporters and entering in the Sky bus

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:52

Nairo Quintana insisted on Monday (10th July) that he did not regret taking part in the Giro d'Italia, even if it has had a negative impact on his Tour de France campaign.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

After a frantic start to the 2017 edition of the Tour de France, Monday was a welcome rest day for the riders.

Stage 9 on Sunday (9th July) was one of the most eventful in the illustrious history of the event, with Geraint Thomas and Richie Porte among the big names to suffer serious crashes - the latter breaking both his pelvis and collarbone in a horror collision.

Three-time former Champion Chris Froome is currently in possession of the leader's yellow jersey.

Despite enjoying their rest day in the Dordogne region, Movistar team leader Nairo Quintana and his teammates went out on a two-hour cycle ride in the morning in a bid to keep the momentum of the Tour going.

Quintana is currently eighth in this year's Tour - 2 minutes and 13 seconds behind Froome.

He suffered badly during the mountain stage on Sunday, and admitted that he doesn't feel he has the power in his legs that he would like.

"I felt good yesterday and I continue to do so today, but it's evident that I'm not finding the same watts on my legs as I expected to do before the race. We all were convinced about my chances to shine right from the start, but at the end, it's only about the 'here' and 'now', and I didn't respond well."

The Colombian climber came into the Tour with plenty of optimism having changed his preparations, but may have to admit that the gamble of competing in the Giro D'Italia - where he finished second - has yet to pay off.

Stage 10 of the Tour de France will take place on Tuesday (11th July) between Perigueux and Bergerac.

Perigueux, France. 10th July, 2017

1. 00:00 Exterior hotel where the Movistar team is staying

2. 00:04 Hotel window

3. 00:08 Movistar vehicles in front of hotel

4. 00:12 Movistar sticker on side of vehicle

5. 00:16 Movistar mechanics truck

6. 00:20 Mechanic inside truck working on bike

7. 00:24 Bikes outside truck

8. 00:28 Bike wheels

9. 00:32 Bike frames with Tour de France bib numbers

10. 00:37 Wheels outside truck

11. 00:41 Team Movistar leader Nairo Quintana being greeted by fans

12. 00:52 Nairo Quintana taking pictures with fans

13. 00:58 Quintana walking towards truck

14. 01:04 Quintana and Movistar colleagues talking

15. 01:08 SOUNDBITE: (English) Andres Montoya, Tour de France fan from Colombia:

"It's amazing, it's amazing! You see only (the riders) on the TV and maybe if you are near to the race, the racers pass so fast. And now, here in the hotel, you meet the people, take the picture and make videos for Instagram. I don't know, it's the best, the best opportunity."

16. 01:32 Movistar riders Jonathan Castroviejo and Jasha Sutterlin on their bikes

17. 01:37 SOUNDBITE: (English) Claudia Stinfil, Tour de France fan from Colombia:

"Oh my god! Nairo Quintana! For us, as Colombians, we're very proud of him because he is one of our heroes, like a sport hero, you know, and the best thing about that guy, it's his humanity and he is a very humble guy."

18. 01:54 Movistar's Jasha Sutterlin signing autographs on Tour de France yellow jersey

19. 02:03 Movistar riders leaving hotel on their bikes

20. 02:19 Quintana leaving hotel on his bike

21. 02:29 Quintana arriving at press conference venue

22. 02:37 Quintana and Movistar's General Manager Eusebio Unzue at press conference table

23. 02:43 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

"Well, for my part, here we are on the first rest day. It is clear that now it is more about will than might. But we are still up for the fight, though, and we'll try to keep improving. We have lost some time until yesterday, and to be honest, it was only due to lack of energy. However, there's still a long way to go in this Tour, and we're so determined to do great things in what's to come."

24. 03:21 Cutaway cameraman

25. 03:27 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

(Q: If you had not taken part in the Giro d'Italia, would you be better placed today?)

"No, I do not regret it, it is clear that it is a bet you make and something different to do, we have many things to learn and many things that remain to one of what has happened and how we have always done for to get better."

26. 03:59 Cutaway photographer

27. 04:03 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

"I felt good yesterday and I continue to do so today, but it's evident that I'm not finding the same watts on my legs as I expected to do before the race. We all were convinced about my chances to shine right from the start, but at the end, it's only about the 'here' and 'now', and I didn't respond well."

28. 04:32 Cutaway

29. 04:36 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

(Q: Can you still make the podium?)

"Well right now I dare not say anything, but if I can have a good day, anything could happen."

30. 04:53 Press conference breaks up

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 05:02

Reaction from Colombia's Egan Bernal, Wales's Geraint Thomas and Italy's Vincenzo Nibali after the Colombian is set to win the 2019 Tour de France.

Val Thorens, France. 27th July 2019.

1. 00:00 Egan Bernal arrives at press conference

2. 00:07 Cutaway

3.00:14 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Egan Bernal, Team Ineos:

"To be honest, still I cannot believe it. I even didn't have time to analyse it. I think I need to arrive to the hotel, take a shower and to think after half and hour what's going on, because right now I cannot believe it. That's all… I cannot believe it. "

4. 00:55 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Egan Bernal, Team Ineos:

"The message I want to send is that I feel really proud of being Colombian. I am very proud of becoming the first Colombian on winning the Tour de France tomorrow. I don't see the hour to come back and show this t-shirt. "

5. 01:12 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Egan Bernal, Team Ineos:

(On how he will be welcoming in Colombia)

"I don't know yet, but I guess the people back in Colombia is very happy. It is our first Tour de France even though Colombia have always had good cyclist. Colombia have always producer very good climbers that have won Giro d'Italia and La Vuelta (Spain), but I don't really know what was happening with the Tour de France. It was a race that we could not win and luckily, tomorrow, I will be the first Colombian to achieve it. I am very proud of this. I am just 22-year-old. I cannot believe what happened. I cannot believe it. "

6. 01:52 SOUNDBITE (English): Egan Bernal, Team Ineos:

(About his climbing ability in the Alps)

"When I was climbing and when I was high in the mountains, I was feeling much better than in the first part of the climbs. So I think that was something good for me. Yeah I think that I am a climber and, when we were going up, kilometres and kilometres of climbing was better. So I don't know if it is a coincidence. But, yes for sure, for me living in Colombia it was an advantage."

7. 02:35 Various of Bernal leaving press conference

8. 03:19 Various of Geraint Thomas

9. 03:38 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos:

(About Egan Bernal's 2019 Tour de France victory)

"Yeah, it is incredible. I just said to him (Egan Bernal) 'just enjoy it, soak it all up and don't worry about crying because all real men cry'. No, it's amazing to be a part of - he is a phenomenal athlete, 22 (years-old). He has got amazing years ahead of him and it is just an honour to have been a part of this."

10. 04:00 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos:

(About Egan Bernal)

"Yeah, he (Egan Bernal) has just been improving all of the time and he was born to go uphill fast. He has the best team around him, to support him to do that, and I think he has got many, many great years in front of him. Yeah, he can continue to improve and (he has) a phenomenal career in front, and just keep a good team around him, and he has got a good support with his family and guys. I think he is a humble guy and yeah a very bright future (ahead for Egan Bernal)."

11. 04:37 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos:

(About Team INEOS finishing first and second in the general classification)

"To be one-two (Egan Bernal and Geraint Thomas in the general classification), the first time we have done that in the team (Dave Brailsford's team). Well, no, it is not, is it? Second time? Yeah, first time since 2012 (when Team Sky duo Bradley Wiggins won from Chris Froome). But, yeah, it is a pretty good achievement."

12. 04:52 Various of Vincenzo Nibali

13. 05:12 SOUNDBITE (Italian): Vincenzo Nibali, Bahrain–Merida:

"It has been such a long time without seeing a winner of just 22-years-old in the Tour de France. I think we must go back for long time to find a cyclist like him. I don't even know who it was (the last winner with 22 years-old), but for his style, someone who is light and agile, he reminds me to Alberto Contador.

RESTRICTIONS: SNTV clients only. Scheduled news programmes only. Use within 14 days. If interested in archive use after 14 days please contact www.aparchive.com <http://www.aparchive.com>. Internet use only for SNTV clients with digital rights licensed in their contract. For any questions regarding rights restrictions please contact planning@sntv.com

SHOTLIST: Sisteron, France. 21st July, 2015.

++PLEASE NOTE, SHOTS 1 AND 4 WERE USED IN PREVIOUS PIECE - CYCLING TEAM SKY (STORY NO. 1037558)++

1. 00:00 Pan to Team Sky news conference - left to right: head of performance Tim Kerrison, rider Chris Froome, team principal Sir Dave Brailsford and rider Geraint Thomas.

2. 00:08 SOUNDBITE: (English) Tim Kerrison, Team Sky head of performance:

(Revealing riding data for Chris Froome on final climb in Tour de France Stage 10).

"That 41 and a half minutes climb had an average power of 414 watts for Chris, which was 1602 VAM. What we do know about Chris's power with the osymetric rings is that power meters over-report power by about by about six per cent - when using the osymetric rings - which is why interpretation of Chris's power has to be... you know, that has to be considered when interpreting Chris's power. But with his weight hovering around 67 and a half kilos, that gives a corrected power to weight for the whole climb of 5.78 watts per kilo. However, to go from that value to making some sort of estimates of Chris's physiology, for example his VO2 Max requires a lot of assumptions."

3. 01:04 SOUNDBITE: (English) Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Sky principal:

(On decision to release Froome's riding data).

"I just think that the... in particular I think what France 2 (television station) did, you know putting out that big headline: 'seven watts per kilo' (with) - a picture of (doping cheats) Lance Armstrong and a picture of (Jan) Ullrich, I think it was... that was so wildly wrong on so many levels that actually we just thought 'actually, we should just correct that and give the concrete facts, and give the evidence, so hopefully that people can judge for themselves, you know, why would you do that.' So that was really what drove my decision on that one."

4. 01:36 Wide of news conference.

5. 01:43 SOUNDBITE: (English) Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Sky principal:

(Suggestion that cycling's world governing body the UCI might get all teams to provide riders' power data to an expert panel for assessment).

"Over a period of time you could build the data set required to give everybody really a better understanding and a better picture of the overall situation. And I think anybody looking at this sensibly would think that is the obvious way to go. So I think it's up to the UCI to get their act together. You know, all the teams have experts, all the teams have guys working like Tim (Kerrison, Team Sky's head of performance) who are analysing all of this data. So you know there are people out there who could do this job very quickly, it wouldn't be that... (difficult). People say it would take a long time to put in place, I'm not sure it would to be honest. I just think it takes the will and a bit of investment. We invest in anti-doping already, all the teams, and I'm sure we'll be willing to invest a little bit more to resolve these kind of situations, you know."

6. 02:32 Mid of news conference.

SOURCE: SNTV.

DURATION: 02:38.

STORYLINE:

On the second rest day of the 2015 Tour de France on Tuesday (21 July), Team Sky released data to illustrate the riding power of race leader Chris Froome.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Chris Froome's team has released data about his riding power in an effort to quell new speculation about doping at the Tour de France.

At a news conference on Tuesday on the Tour's second rest day, Sky team performance analyst Tim Kerrison read figures including Froome's power output, cadence and heart rate on a final climb in Stage 10, which he won, in the Pyrenees.

Sky manager Dave Brailsford said the team decided to release the figures after an expert on France's state broadcaster covering the race had aired what he called "wildly wrong" data about Froome's performances.

Brailsford added that he hoped the release of the data would "put to bed ... some of the numbers that they came up with."

Four-time champion Chris Froome was among riders whose eyes needed treatment for tear gas when a farmers' protest interrupted the 16th stage of the Tour de France on Tuesday.

Bales of hay blocked the road 30 kilometres (18 miles) into the 218-kilometre (135-mile) leg from Carcassonne to Bagneres De-Luchon.

Tour organisers said police used tear gas to disperse the protesters as the peloton approached.

Froome, race leader Geraint Thomas, and world champion Peter Sagan appeared to be among those affected by the chemical, and were treated with eye drops.

The stage resumed after a 15-minute delay.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Carcassonne - 24 July 2018

1. Various of STILLs showing riders waiting on the road after a farmer protest interrupted 16th stage of the Tour de France

2. Various of STILLs showing protester facing police

3. STILL showing farmer with banner, reading (French) "Keep the agriculture in la Piege et du Razes (region) safe"

On the second rest day of the 2015 Tour de France on Tuesday (21st July), Team Sky released data to illustrate the riding power of race leader Chris Froome after much speculation regarding doping.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Chris Froome's team has released data about his riding power in an effort to quell new speculation about doping at the Tour de France.

At a news conference on Tuesday on the Tour's second rest day, Sky team performance analyst Tim Kerrison read figures including Froome's power output, cadence and heart rate on a final climb in stage 10, which he won, in the Pyrenees.

Sky manager Dave Brailsford said the team decided to release the figures after an expert on France's state broadcaster covering the race had aired what he called "wildly wrong" data about Froome's performances.

Brailsford added that he hoped the release of the data would "put to bed ... some of the numbers that they came up with."

Froome said: "I'm not sure if numbers are going to fix everything, but certainly I feel as a team and for myself personally, we're definitely trying to be as open and transparent as possible. I think we've been asked more questions than any other team. I've been asked more questions than any other GC (general classification) contender. I'd like to think we're answering those questions."

Sisteron, France. 21st July, 2015.

1. 00:00 Wide of Team Sky bus.

2. 00:05 Mid of Team Sky car.

3. 00:10 Mid of riders/officials gathering for news conference.

4. 00:16 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(On the 2015 Tour de France so far):

"I think we're in a great place, I think we're in a great place. Of course, the few unfortunate incidents out on the road were a bit of a dampener on things. But since, I think, since the messages from Christian Preud'homme (general director of the Tour de France), since the messages from all the other riders and people showing their support, there really has been quite a change in the atmosphere out on the road. And it feels as if certainly the vast majority of the people out there are just there to support the race and all the riders, so that's really good to see. Yeah, looking forward to these next few days in the Alps and getting closer to Paris."

5. 01:01 Mid pan of news conference.

6. 01:09 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(On speculation over performances).

"Obviously, we seem to cop a lot of speculation and, as you said, a lot of doubts around our performances. Why are those same level of doubts are not being cast upon similar performances from other GC (general classification) contenders? Why is it only us?"

7. 01:33 Close-up Chris Froome.

8. 01:40 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(On upcoming stages).

"I do think that these next four stages, each stage has its own particular challenges to overcome. Tomorrow we've got the descent off (Col d')Allos and the final ascent up to Pra Loup. What have we got? The Lacets (de Montvernier) stage, I mean everyone's seen that climb, it's probably the most picturesque climb on this year's tour with so many switchbacks in such a short space of time, such a short distance sorry. And then we've got La Toussuire, which can be extremely selective also. And then the finish up to Alpe-d'Huez... yeah, hopefully it's going to go better than last time I rode up Alpe-d'Huez."

9. 02:33 Wide of news conference.

10. 02:39 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

(On release of data over his riding).

"Yeah, I'm not sure if numbers are going to fix everything, but certainly I feel as a team and for myself personally, we're definitely trying to be as open and transparent as possible. I think we've been asked more questions than any other team. I've been asked more questions than any other GC (general classification) contender. And I'd like to think we're answering those questions."

11. 03:08 Mid of news conference.

12. 03:14 SOUNDBITE: (English) Geraint Thomas, Team Sky:

(On his race so far).

"Yeah, it's fantastic individually really to be there. And the Pyrenees went very well for me. You know, I said coming in here I want to keep improving on the climbs and be there towards the finishes with 'Froomey' (Chris Froome). I certainly did that. So yeah, confidence and morale's really high and it's sort of infectious within the team, you know. I'm feeling good, you hear 'Froomey's' feeling really good behind you, you know that just sort of spreads through the team and everyone rides off that. So yeah, it's just been a great race overall really I think."

13. 03:54 Close-up Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford.

14. 04:00 Mid of news conference - Team Sky head of performance Tim Kerrison on left.

SOURCE: SNTV.

DURATION: 04:07.

STORYLINE:

Reaction from some of the leading contenders at the Tour de France on Saturday (28th July), including four-time winner Chris Froome who said he was 'really proud' of teammate Geraint Thomas.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

28th July, 2018.

++++SHOTLIST AND SCRIPTING INFORMATION TO FOLLOW++++

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 04:06

Great Britain's road cycling team visited a British school in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (2nd August), three days ahead of the start of the 2016 Olympic Games in the Brazilian city.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

With the Olympic Games opening ceremony on Friday (5th August), Great Britain's road cycling team are hoping to be among the medals.

A day after arriving in Rio de Janeiro, the team visited a British school in the Brazilian city on Tuesday (2nd August) and spoke about their hopes for the upcoming Games.

Three-times Tour de France winner Chris Froome is the natural leader of a cohesive and highly competitive team selected by coach Rod Ellingworh.

Geraint Thomas, winner of the 2016 Paris-NIce classic; Adam Yates, who finished fourth overall and first of the young riders in the 2016 Tour de France; Ian Stannard and Steve Cummings are the other members of the British road squad.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 2nd August 2016.

1. 00:00 Great Britain's Olympic road cycling team arriving in the media zone

2. 00:09 SOUNDBITE (English) Chris Froome, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team:

"The Olympics is so different to anything else we do. I mean, the Tour de France is obviously the pinnacle of our sport and every year to focus on the Tour de France that's a massive, massive goal for me, but the Olympics is just something special, it's something more than that, it's something that only comes around once every four years. And especially on a course like this, that's so hilly, it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. So I'm really motivated to be here and to be wearing our national colours with the whole nation behind us, especially in cycling, seeing how the sport has developed so much over the last few years in Britain. We've got a lot of support from home and we want to make everyone proud."

3. 00:57 Cutaway of Chris Froome, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team

4. 01:03 SOUNDBITE (English) Chris Froome, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team:

"I think the final circuit with the final climb of eight kilometres is going to make a huge difference, but we first have to get there. We have to get there, we have to pass all the cobbled section that we have - that's also something quite new for the Olympics, to have cobbles. The climb on the cobbled circuit is also really tough so, all-in-all it's going to be a circuit for the climbers and I think we can expect to see the likes of Vincenzo Nibali, Alejandro Valverde, I think Wout Poels, riding for Holland, guys like that who can climb really well, we expect to see them in the final."

5. 01:48 Journalists interviewing Froome and Adam Yates, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team

6. 01:54 SOUNDBITE (English) Adam Yates, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team:

"It feels fantastic. We got in (to Brazil) just last night, so still a bit tired and a bit of jetlag. It's still not so long that we are here, but I am sure that when we start and I pin my number on it will feel really special. But we are here to do a job. Hopefully we are going to arrive in good condition and try and do something on Saturday."

7. 02:18 Cutaway of Yates

8. 02:24 SOUNDBITE (English) Adam Yates, cyclist for Great Britain's Olympic team:

"Is going to be a tough race, the circuit is real tough, but I think we have the team here to do something. We have many options, we have the guy who just won the Tour de France (Froome). We have guys who have won stage races and one-day races before in the past and will do again in the future. So, like I said, we have many options and I'm sure we'll try to do something during the race. It's a little bit unpredictable with only five riders, but we have the full roster of five riders, whereas a lot of teams have missed out and have four riders or less. Like I said, it's going to be unpredictable, but I'm sure we'll be able to do something."

9. 03:03 Team posing for photos

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:11

Reigning Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas revealed to SNTV on Tuesday that his sole focus for 2019 is to successfully defend the yellow jersey.

Thomas won the 2018 Tour de France by almost two minutes after a battle against his team-mate and four-time champion Chris Froome, who finished third.

The 32 year-old Welshman was speaking ahead of Wednesday's Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana in southern Spain and admitted he would never have been in contention for a Tour de France victory in the "dark ages" when doping was rife in the sport.

Last year, Thomas vented his frustration at Team Sky prioritising Froome during the Tour de France, but said they now have a strong relationship.

Thomas also said he is focused on racing and is not overly concerned by Sky's withdrawal of its sponsorship of the team at the end of 2019.

SHOTLIST: Various.

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

1. 00:00 Pan from Tour of Valencia bus to the 'Teatro Circo'

2. 00:07 Geraint Thomas arrives at the 'Teatro Circo' with Team Sky staff

3. 00:17 Geraint Thomas during interview

4. 00:25 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About his focus on defending his Tour de France title)

"I think having won the Tour last year, I have to go back to the tour and to go there, not in the best shape, would be... I don't think I'd enjoy it so much. So yeah it's all about going back there in the best shape I can, and yeah trying to get the best result I can."

Paris, France. 29th July 2018.

5. 00:46 Geraint Thomas waves to the crowd after winning Tour de France

Cardiff, Wales, UK. 9th August 2018.

6. 00:55 Geraint Thomas holding Wales flag and wearing the yellow jersey

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

7. 01:03 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About the image of cycling and its controversial past)

"I certainly think that what's gone on in the past has helped clean up the sport for sure and I'm confident that it's one of the cleanest sports around. So yeah, I think that's great as there's no way I would've won the Tour all those years ago. So yeah, I'm fortunate to be at the age I am riding my bike now and yeah I think the sport is in a great period. But obviously when it comes to what people think about us and this and that... again, what can I do about it? Whatever I say they're going to spin that to how ever they want. So yeah, like I say, just crack on and go about my business as I always do."

Paris, France 29th July 2018.

8. 01:52 Geraint Thomas performs the 'Thunderclap' with Team Sky general manager Dave Brailsford after winning the Tour de France

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

9. 02:03 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About the negative publicity which has surrounded Team Sky)

"I'm not going to stand up and sing a song and dance about how I am squeaky clean and this and that. But I do everything the right way and that's it. I train hard, work hard and I have a lot of support around me and that's what I do, and obviously if people do stuff, then I can't do anything about that. But I'm sure that sort of mindset of the Peloton has certainly shifted a lot since the dark ages."

Paris, France. 22nd July 2012.

10. 02:38 Bradley Wiggins celebrates winning the Tour de France in 2012 with Team Sky

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

11. 02:51 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About whether he has had any doubts about racing for Team Sky)

"All that that was going on, even though I was part of the team obviously and close to the guys, but it was nothing to do with me. What can I do about that? Same with the sponsorship. It's not like I'm going to go out and get an Amazon or whoever to come and sponsor us. As I say it's out of my control. So I just worry about myself and yeah crack on with that."

Mallorca, Spain. 11th January 2015.

12. 03:17 Various of Team Sky riders cycling

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

13. 03:28 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About the future of the team with Sky pulling out of sponsorship at the end of 2019)

''No, not really I just leave it with Dave B (Brailsford) and Fran (Millar, Team Sky Director of Business Operations) and left all that with them. I just concentrate on trying to get into shape really and focus on racing and training and yeah they'll deal with that. And we're confident that we'll be able to find something. It's one of the best sports teams in the world. So hopefully we can find something. But yeah, like I say, I just concentrate on training and on the goals I've got to go."

London, England, UK. 8th October 2014.

14. 04:01 Pan of Dave Brailsford being interviewed

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

15. 04:06 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About his future once Sky's sponsorship of the team ends)

"As long as the team can keep going and stick together, the core of us, then that's the main thing for me. If all that did stop and we couldn't find a sponsor, then obviously it wouldn't be nice to end like that. But, like I say, I just focus on racing and training and I have got confidence that we can keep going."

Chemin de Colombier, France. 30th June 2016.

16. 04:31 Pan of four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome alongside his Team Sky bike

Mallorca, Spain. 11th January 2015.

17. 04:37 Chris Froome cycling with Team Sky teammates

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

18. 04:41 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About who is the main man at Team Sky - Geraint Thomas or Chris Froome?)

"I think we have just got to treat it like last year. Both of us get there as good as we can be and then just go from there. It'll be obvious really before we even get there. But once we are there and racing, and in the mountains, and we know as long as we don't race against each other and we were always open and honest with each other, then I think it can still work. And yeah that's the way we're going to treat it."

Dusseldorf, Germany. 30th June 2017.

19. 05:06 Chris Froome in Team Sky colours

Orihuela, Spain. 5th February 2019.

20. 05:15 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(About his relationship with Chris Froome)

"Yeah we've known each other for a long time now and we know how each other sort of races and thinks and things. The worst thing that could happen is we race against each other and none of us win and somebody else wins. That would be, well, that wouldn't be great. So yeah I think we can certainly make it work."

21. 05:37 Geraint Thomas leaves the 'Teatro Circo'

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 05:45

STORYLINE:

Geraint Thomas reacted as thousands of people lined the streets to celebrate his victory in the Tour de France at a homecoming event in Cardiff on Thursday (9th August).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas says he is on the verge of signing a new deal with Team Sky.

Thomas, whose Team Sky contract is about to expire, revealed he had been courted by rival teams after winning Le Tour last month.

But Thomas, back in his home city of Cardiff as thousands turned out to celebrate his Tour de France success, said: "Yeah obviously, there's some teams interested but I'm happy here. And it seems to be working at the moment."

"I know we're pretty close, so hopefully I'll all be sorted in the next few days."

New Polish team CCC WorldTour revealed on Wednesday that they had launched a bid to sign Thomas from Team Sky for 2019.

Cardiff, Wales - 9th August 2018.

1. 00:00 Geraint Thomas makes his way to speak to the waiting media

2. 00:09 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on the reception from the thousands gathered in Cardiff for his homecoming)

"Mind blowing. I really didn't expect this. I didn't know what to expect, but the reception was just insane. And just to see the pride in people's eyes as you're riding past and the passion. People I've never met. It's just mind blowing, you know. I kind of expected from a family and my wife, obviously, and my mates. But for people I've never met, and you know the little kids and things. And (people) wanting to ride their bikes. It's just it's humbling."

3. 00:41 Thomas talks to the media

4. 00:52 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on whether he could have ever expected to win the Tour de France)

"No, no not at all. It was just a dream to just be part of that race and to be racing in the biggest races in the world. And obviously when your riding in the lanes and round Lisvane (Welsh town), and things, you're like 'I'm going up Alpe d'Huez here' and things like this. To actually then do it, and win up Alpe d'Huez. And then win the tour, I still just laugh when I think about it. I knew I could beat anyone on my day, but to do it for three weeks and consistently, and the way I did it as well, I think that is the crazy bit."

5. 01:29 Thomas talks to the media

6. 01:37 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on getting into cycling and being the first Welshman to win the Tour de France)

"Yeah, that's just as bonkers really and you know I grew up just two miles down the road and only got into cycling because there's a cycle track there. And a kids club started up and went along, enjoyed it and you know here we are today. It's crazy when you think about it."

7. 01:57 Cardiff Castle

8. 02:11 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on whether his win will get more people into the sport following doping scandals)

"Yeah, I think so and it's changed the narrative as well. You know it's nice to finally have some good news and not be talking about all that sort of stuff all the time. And yeah like I say, I just really want to enjoy this moment."

9. 02:30 Thomas talks to the media

10. 02:41 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on whether he is happy staying at Team Sky)

"Yeah obviously, there's some teams interested but I'm happy here. And it seems to be working at the moment. Yeah, I know they had a meeting today and I know we're pretty close, so hopefully I'll all be sorted in the next few days."

11. 02:56 Thomas talks to the media

12. 03:03 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on why he wants to stay at Team Sky, if he wants to be lead rider within team)

"Yeah, obviously that's a big role. But obviously the support you get as well. Not just the riders around you but the staff. And everything, you know. So yeah, it's a big decision but yeah. It's big but it's also kind of easy as well in a way."

13. 03:21 Cardiff Castle

14. 03:32 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on the hostile welcome from French supporters during the Tour de France)

"I don't know, you'd have to ask the French that. But yeah, for us I think it just motivated us more, it brought us all together and gave us that common enemy in a way. You know, lets prove them wrong and let's annoy them even more. We thrived off that in a way. Obviously when it starts to affect the race it's not good. Verbals and stuff is fine, but when they start trying to grab riders and like pushing Froomey (Chris Froome) or whatever, then that's too much. But you know I think that's what makes cycling so good,is that accessibility. And you can go to the start and you can see your favourite riders and you can touch them and you can get your autographs. And you know, it's totally different to football or rugby, you know, where they're on the bus and then they just walk into the stadium. With cycling it's completely different and that's what makes it so special."

15. 04:20 Thomas on the stage holding a Wales flag

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 04:31

Team INEOS general manager Dave Brailsford said on Monday that four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome is "optimistic" about a return for this year's race - with the assumption it goes ahead in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.

Froome suffered a broken hip, fractured femur, fractured elbow and broken ribs as part of a catalogue of injuries when he came off his time-trial bike at high speed last year.

This year's Tour has been postponed and provisionally moved back to the 29th August to 20th September - and that has allowed Froome more time to recover and reach peak fitness.

Brailsford said the Tour de France will go ahead if it does not "pose any extra risk than normal" and, given the event's status within the sport of cycling, "it is important that we try and get behind it to make sure it happens this year".

Nottingham, England, UK. 20th April 2020 + FILE.

++CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: FRENCH VERSION - STORY NO. 5226481++

Nottingham, England, UK. 20th April 2020.

1. 00:00 SOUNDBITE (English): Dave Brailsford, Team INEOS general manager:

(About Chris Froome's recovery from injury and participation in this year's Tour de France)

"Yeah, he (Chris Froome) is an amazing guy. In this situation, he has got the right mentality. If anybody has got the right mentality to be in this situation, it is Chris. He is very, very strong mentally. He is up in the mornings like a machine. He is up in the mornings, in the gym, he is on his bike, he is training. He is working so hard and, to work through this period, I don't think there is any doubt that he is going to benefit from this (the lockdown from the coronavirus pandemic) as much as anybody - in terms of being able to put the work together and consistently build a very, very good strong fitness base throughout this period. And he is optimistic and he is coming back from injury. And so it gives him a little bit longer to come back. So I think, if we do get to race (the Tour de France) in August and September, then I am sure he would be very, very competitive."

Doncaster, England, UK. 1st May 2019.

2. 00:54 Various of Team INEOS' Chris Froome

Nottingham, England, UK. 20th April 2020.

3. 01:13 SOUNDBITE (English): Dave Brailsford, Team INEOS general manager:

(About whether the Tour de France will take place in August and September this year)

"What I do have is a lot of confidence in the team, the Amaury Team (Amaury Sport Organisation) who run the ASO, and the Tour de France organisers - that they will work with the local mayors, the local towns, the state obviously, the government in France and the health sector to make sure that we can run a responsible race and it can be safe, and we don't pose any extra risk than normal if we if we go ahead and have the Tour de France this year."

Palais des Congres, Paris, France. 25th October 2018.

4. 01:49 Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme arriving on stage with map of the 2019 race on the large screen

5. 01:55 Tour de France 2019 presentation on large screen

Paris, France. 29th July 2018.

6. 01:59 Geraint Thomas in front of the Sky autocar doing the Iceland 'Thunderclap' together with then-Team Sky general manager Dave Brailsford after winning the 2018 Tour de France

Nottingham, England, UK. 20th April 2020.

7. 02:23 SOUNDBITE (English): Dave Brailsford, Team INEOS general manager:

(About whether cycling can live without the Tour de France this year)

"I think it won't, I think everything goes on, doesn't it? There is always a way. But in some sports, you have the biggest event which stands a long way ahead of other events. And I think it is the case in our sport. The Tour de France is the biggest race. It is the facts. We debate it a lot. But that is the fact. And there are some other brilliant races. But, at the minute, it is the biggest race. And so it is important that we try and get behind it to make sure it happens this year. And, in the future maybe there is a lesson - a good lesson, actually - to reflect on the situation, and say, 'there is probably a better model, which is a bit more diversified, which has the bigger races spread amongst the calendars and we don't rely so much on one race in the end.'"

8. 03:16 SOUNDBITE (English): Dave Brailsford, Team INEOS general manager:

(About whether it is a personal objective of him to have less reliance on the Tour de France as the major event within cycling)

"I think everyone would see the benefits of it. I think, having a more robust structure, a more diversified kind of portfolio of races would be better all round. And also, I think for the teams themselves, having a business model and trying to get a bit more of an economic business model which is a bit more robust, would be beneficial all round. I think it would allow people to plan for the medium-to-long term, rather than planning short-term and, just for some, survival on a short-term basis. Now I think that would be a very big game changer and have a big impact on the sport."

Doncaster, England, UK. 1st May 2019.

9. 03:59 Various of Chris Froome on his Team INEOS bike alongside general manager Dave Brailsford

RESTRICTIONS: SNTV clients only. Use on broadcast and digital channels, including social. Available worldwide. Use within 14 days. All usage subject to rights licensed in contract. For any questions regarding rights restrictions please contact planning@sntv.com.

SHOTLIST: Various. Recent.

The Dorchester Hotel, London, England. 31st July, 2018.

1. 00:00 Interview with Geraint Thomas

2. 00:06 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

(asked what his life has been like since winning the Tour de France)

"It's just a, been a whirlwind since really. Just been non-stop and I haven't had time to really think or, reflect on anything. So, maybe when I go home and close the front door and sit on the sofa I will actually, (it will) start to sink in a bit."  

3. 00:24 Yellow jersey autographed by Geraint Thomas

4. 00:31 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas:

(asked if he thought his chances of winning the Tour de France may have passed)

"I knew I was in great shape and, if I had, things go my way a bit then, anything was possible. But, yeah, I never really thought about the end product or, the win. It was just about, doing everything right and, the process and day-by-day and, just stay in that mindset and, it worked out really well in the end."

Paris, France. 29th July 2018:

5. 00:58 Thomas arrives at Sky bus after winning the Tour de France  

The Dorchester Hotel, London, England. 31st July, 2018.

6. 01:10 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas:

(asked at what point he believed he could win the race)

"I think when I won the two mountain stages back-to-back was a huge boost to the confidence and, but yeah, it wasn't really until the night before the TT (Time Trial) when I let myself actually dream of it. Then it was like 'yeah, this could actually, happen now.' So, yeah, but up until that point it was always just stay focused on the race and not think too far ahead and, not get carried away, because I think as soon as you sort of start, taking your eye off the ball, that's when things can go wrong."    

Paris, France. 29th July 2018:

7. 01:43 Thomas waving to crowd

The Dorchester Hotel, London, England. 31st July, 2018.

8. 01:49 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas:

(asked how big a part team-mate Chris Froome played in his victory)

"A big part I think. Yeah, he was, obviously having him in the team took a lot of the pressure off as well. And yeah, he obviously supported me in the last few stages and, yeah, it was a huge honour to have someone of his calibre, who I see as probably the best Grand Tour rider ever, so helping me, was a huge honour."

Paris, France. 29th July, 2018.

9. 02:13 Thomas embracing fan

The Dorchester Hotel, London, England. 31st July, 2018.

10. 02:17 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas:

(asked if he is disappointed that some cycling fans begrudge him the victory as he is a member of Team Sky)

"I think, it's just the way it is. There's always going to be haters out there and, yeah, for me, I just know I do everything the right way and the people around me and friends and family know that and that's all I can do. I can't influence what somebody, I don't know, in Toulouse sat at his computer thinks. So what's the point in wasting energy not that. It's just, to stay in my own little world, my own little bubble and just enjoy what I'm doing."

Paris, France. 29th July, 2018.

11. 02:51 Welsh fans singing

The Dorchester Hotel, London, England. 31st July, 2018.

12. 02:57 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas:

(asked what sort of reception he expects when he returns to Wales)

"Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it. I think we're going to go back (on) Wednesday, towards the end of the week and, yeah, just the reception there has just been insane and, yeah, really looking forward to going back, catching up with some friends and then obviously, there's talk of some homecoming as well, so that will be a, that will be nice."

Paris, France. 29th July, 2018.

13. 03:18 Thomas embracing fan

The Dorchester Hotel, London, England. 31st July, 2018.

12. 03:25 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas:

(asked what he will focus on next season)

"There's something about the Giro (d'Italia), 'cause I went last year and, obviously crashed out, (it) was bad luck, a bit of misfortune. So, it kind of feels a bit (like) unfinished business there, so… but, I don't know. It's one of those things I have to sort of, think about over the next month or so."

(Q: "Clearly it appeals though, adding the Giro to your resume?")

"Yeah. (I'd) certainly love to go back at some point, before I stop, for sure, and within the next three years. And, yeah, we'll see."

13. 03:59 Yellow T-shirt autographed by Thomas

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 04:06

STORYLINE:

Geraint Thomas spoke to SNTV in London on Tuesday (31st July) and reflected on his achievement of becoming the first Welshman to win the Tour de France.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Two days on from completing his maiden victory in the Tour de France, Geraint Thomas was still coming to terms with the magnitude of his achievement when he spoke to SNTV in London on Tuesday.

Thomas had come into the race supporting Sky team-mate Chris Froome's bid for a fifth Tour de France title.

But a crash on stage one for defending champion Froome, coupled with Thomas' fine form, resulted in the Welshman leading Sky's tilt at a sixth Tour de France title in the space of seven years.

Back-to-back mountain stage wins cemented Thomas' position at the top of the general classification and the 32-year-old claimed an impressive third place finish atop the Col de Portet to effectively end his rivals' victory hopes.

Thomas, however, insisted that he didn't start to 'dream' about Tour de France glory until finishing stage 19 - at which point only an individual time trial and the final day procession into Paris remained.

Controversies surrounding Team Sky in recent times ensured that not all cycling fans rejoiced in his triumph, but Thomas knows he will receive a rapturous reception when he returns to Wales next week.

Looking ahead to next year, Thomas may forego a Tour de France title defence as he feels there is 'unfinished business' to attend to in the Giro d'Italia after he crashed out of last year's 100th edition of the race.

RESTRICTIONS: SNTV clients only. Use within 14 days. If interested in archive use after 14 days please contact www.aparchive.com. Internet use only for SNTV clients with digital rights licensed in their contract. For any questions regarding rights restrictions please contact planning@sntv.com.

SHOTLIST: Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. June 30th, 2016

1. 00:00 Various of Chris Froom during interview

2. 00:11 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

"Very much so. Very much so. We love racing in France. We love the Tour de France. It's the most important race for us on our calendar. So yes, I'm really looking forward to the three weeks ahead."

3. 00:29 Cutaway

4. 00:36 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

"I do think that it's a route that is very much a climbers route. I think it suits a pure climber. Even though we have two time trials, they are very hilly time trials. So the guys who climb well should go right in them. But yeah, I think we've got a fantastic team here. I've got a lot of confidence in my team-mates. I feel privileged to be in a position to be leading a line-up of guys like that. I mean, guys who can be leaders in their own right have come here to support me and I think it's something that gives me a lot of confidence coming into this year's Tour de France."

5. 01:24 Cutaway

6. 01:31 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

"I think I am definitely in good shape. More or less, the same I have been in previous Tours de France. But I do believe this is going to be one of the toughest challenges for me of my career to date."

7. 01:53 Cutaway

8. 01:59 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

"My main rivals? I'd say primarily Nairo Quintana, given that both times I've won the Tour de France he was runner-up. He was the guy who finished second and pushed me all the way until Paris. But then again, you can't discount any of the big leaders who are here. Alberto Contador, Fabio Aru, Vincenzo Nibali, Tejay van Garderen, Richie Porte, Romain Bardet, Thibaut Pinot. There is a whole list of guys and that is the beautiful thing about the Tour de France. Once we start on Saturday, everyone starts as equals and we go from there."

9. 02:55 Cutaway

10. 03:01 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky (on crashes involving motorbikes on stages):

"I think it's something the sport really needs to keep working at. And it's something that is a work in progress. I think it's incredibly unfortunate accidents that have happened this year. But hopefully that is something that the sport is working at improving."

11. 03:27 Cutaway

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:34

STORYLINE:

Defending champion Chris Froome spoke on Thursday (30th June) ahead of this weekend's start of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Chris Froome will enjoy the support of a Team Sky squad featuring strong climbers at this year's Tour de France.

Aiming to win cycling's showpiece race for a third time, Froome will be joined by Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Mikel Landa, Mikel Nieve, Wout Poels, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Geraint Thomas on the roads of France this summer.

Speaking in Normandy on Thursday, close to the start of Saturday's opening stage at Mont Saint-Michel, Froome said: "I feel privileged to be in a position to be leading a line-up of guys like that I mean, guys who can be leaders in their own right have come here to support me and I think it's something that gives me a lot of confidence coming into this year's Tour de France."

The 31-year-old Briton first won the Tour de France in 2013 and followed that up with a second win last year.

On both occasions he was pushed all the way to Paris by Colombian Nairo Quintana and Froome expects the Movistar rider to be a serious contender this year as well, among a string of others.

"My main rivals? I'd say primarily Nairo Quintana, given that both times I've won the Tour de France he was runner-up." Froome said. "But then again, you can't discount any of the big leaders who are here. Alberto Contador, Fabio Aru, Vincenzo Nibali, Tejay van Garderen, Richie Porte, Romain Bardet, Thibaut Pinot. There is a whole list of guys and that is the beautiful thing about the Tour de France. Once we start on Saturday, everyone starts as equals and we go from there."

The Tour starts on July 2nd and finishes on the Champs-Elysees in Paris three weeks later.

The 103rd Tour will visit three neighbouring countries - Spain, Andorra and Switzerland - and pass through 16 sites and stage cities unvisited in previous editions.

Security will be tight, with France in a state of emergency since the attacks in the capital in November which killed 130 people.

The Tour will be protected by an unprecedented force of 23,000 police officers, including SWAT-style intervention squads.

Defending champion Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal, the joint leaders of Team INEOS, joined general manager Dave Brailsford in Brussels on Friday and shared their thoughts on the eve of the 'Grand Depart' of the 2019 Tour de France.

Cycling's most prestigious race begins in the Belgian capital on Saturday, the 23rd time 'Le Tour' will have started outside France in its 116-year history.

Brussels, Belgium. 5th July, 2019

1. 00:00 Defending Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas walks in to press conference with INEOS teammates

2. 00:25 Cutaway cameraman

3. 00:28 Wide shot of Team INEOS general manager Dave Brailsford sitting down at press conference

4. 00:39 Cutaway media

5. 00:42 SOUNDBITE (English): Dave Brailsford, Team INEOS general manager:

(on the absence of 4-time Tour de France winner Chris Foome through injury)

"We've got two great leaders, of course it's a big disappointment for everybody that Chris isn't here and we wish him well on his road to recovery, but nonetheless you know, sport is sport and the new baseline, move forward, and I think with the group of  guys we've got here and these two either side, you couldn't want for a better team, I don't think. So, it's (an) extremely exciting prospect for us to get going and I guess we're all looking forward to it."

6. 01:12 SOUNDBITE (English): Dave Brailsford, Team INEOS general manager:

(on Chris Foome leaving hospital and the state of his injuries)

"He left hospital yesterday and so he transferred to home. So it's a big step and he's managed to actually put his feet on a floor for the first time for quite a long time actually, and you know, quite a few of the guys here have been to see him, been to visit him and I think everybody thinks he's in remarkable spirits really for the situation he found himself in, he's adjusted to it."

7. 01:39 Wide shot of press conference

8. 01:43 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

(on how he's feeling going into the Tour, condidering his own injury worries)  

"Feeling good. Training has been good. Obviously it's different to racing, but no, I feel in a good place and I think especially with the way the race is this year, a lot of the big days are towards the end, for sure. I think that'll help anyway but yeah, I'm happy with how I am, obviously it would've been nice to have finished the Swiss (Tour de Suisse) for sure, but it's just the way it was but still had some good training. Didn't miss anything really, so all good."

9. 02:11 Mid shot Brailsford (centre), flanked by Thomas to his right and Egan Bernal to his left

10. 02:18 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

(on whether there will be any friction between himself and Egan Bernal as joint team leaders)  

"I hope not (laughter). Hopefully one of us wins and it's really uneventful. For sure, when 'Froomie' (Chris Froome) is here, he's probably one of the greatest Grand Tour riders ever, you know, and yeah, he has that experience and I guess respect and aura in the peloton, so obviously it's a big shame. But you know we can't... That's what it is and it's us now and like Dave (Brailsford) said you know, it's a super-strong team and it's the same team as last year basically, other than no 'Froomie', which is obviously a big card to lose, but you know Dylan (Dylan van Baarle) instead and yeah, I think it's still strong. We all know what to do and yeah, well try to enjoy it and do as we do every year.

(Q: You won't change your approach then?)

"I don't think so. I think you know, it's obviously slightly different. You know, rather than hoping to have three or four right in the final (run to the end of a stage), we might just have three, but we'll see."

11. 03:35 Wide shot of press conference

12. 03:38 SOUNDBITE (English): Egan Bernal, joint leader, Team INEOS:

(on being ready for the mountain stages)

"I don't look too much at the analytics but yeah, I think that for me will be a good point because I live in Colombia and had to do (a lot of training in the mountains) and I hope to be ready for this stage. I think that for me it will be something...

(Q: Has your family always lived at altitude?)

"Yeah, yeah. Always."

13. 04:05 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

(on his relationship with Egan Bernal and who he sees as being strong contenders for the Tour de France title)

"We're not rivals. I think... there are a lot of good guys... Obviously Fuglsang (Jakob Fuglsang of Astana) stands out. He's had an incredible year. Him and Astana in general, unbelievable how they've been going and I think the 'Yateses' (Adam Yates and his brother Simon, both of Mitchelton-Scott) will be strong, Richie (Richie Porte of Trek-Segafredo), Jumbo-Visma have been good all year, you know, Nibali (Vincenzo Nibali of Bahrain Merida), Movistar, I think... there's a lot of guys who stand out, so yeah. I think we're not going to... we're just trying it as always. We won't just race and look at one guy. We'll just... yeah, treat it as always."

14. 04:47 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Egan Bernal, joint leader, Team INEOS:

+++ FOR OUR SPANISH SPEAKING CLIENTS +++

15. 05:07 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

(on Julian Alaphilippe of Deceuninck-Quick-Step, currently top of the UCI rankings)

"He's had an incredible year so far, I think he's been on the podium every race he's done, so if he sticks to that he'll be there. But if he's a couple of steps below me and Egan, that will be nice, but I think yeah, he's is in the form of his life, you know, he's going as best he's gone, he's got a super team around him, so for sure he's going to be right up there."

16. 05:29 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner:

(on winning the title in 2018 and trying to enjoy this year's race)

"You know, I had such a great race last year. Amazing experience and I'd love to experience that again. Yeah, but I think it also takes a bit pressure off because I've done it now and as I've always said, I wanted that one race where no bad luck and nothing to just go wrong and I had that and it was amazing and I don't feel I've got to prove anything, even though some people have said you know, I've been a bit of a 'one hit wonder' and stuff and it's a pretty good hit to have, if that's all you're going to have, so... But it's just, I'm just going to enjoy it, you know, and we've got a great team, myself and Egan can hopefully both be there in the finals and just race well and communication and all that and what will be will be.

17. 06:14 SOUNDBITE (English): Egan Bernal, joint leader, Team INEOS:

(on the support that he gets from his teammates)

"Well, I think that yeah, I'm really young to be like you say, a 'GC' (General Classification) rider, but I have a team with a lot of experience and it is for me, it's a little bit easier when you have some teammates that you can follow, you know? I'm just, like in the other race, I just follow them and they put me in a good position and in the final... I try to do my best, but yeah, with a team like this, I think that for me it's a little bit easier."

Team Sky on Wednesday (28th June) in Dusseldorf presented its line-up for the 2017 Tour de France - with team leader Chris Froome aiming for his fourth title

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Chris Froome said on Wednesday that winning a fourth Tour de France title was a bigger challenge than it has ever been.

Froome spoke to the media in a packed press conference In Dusseldorf, which this year stages the opening stage on Saturday.

Froome is looking for a fourth overall victory and to become the first man since Spain's Miguel Indurain to win at least three consecutive titles.

The Team Sky leader has had a very light racing schedule this year and has yet to score his a win this season.

Froome was not in top form at the Criterium du Dauphine, the traditional warm-up race before the Tour, but says it might be a sign he will peak during the Tour.

Froome will be supported by Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa, Mikel Nieve, Luke Rowe and Geraint Thomas.

Dusseldorf, Germany. 28th June, 2017.

1. 00:00 Team Sky riders arriving and taking a seat on the podium

2. 00:09 Chris Froome arriving and taking a seat on the podium, surrounded by cameramen

3. 00:32 Cameramen and photographers surrounding Froome on podium

4. 00:36 Photographers

5. 00:39 Team Sky on podium

6. 00:44 Chris Froome and Dave Brailsford

7. 00:48 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Tour de France champion:

"I feel as if I'm exactly where I need to be. I think the (Criterium) Dauphinee is just what I needed to get that extra bit of race rhythm. I've been very light on race days up until the Daupinee and I'd like to think that I'm coming into the Tour fresher than I've ever been before and certainly if numbers in training and feelings on the bike are anything to go by I'm ready for the next three weeks."

8. 01:20 Podium

9. 01:23 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Tour de France champion:

"The hunger hasn't got any less for me. If ever, I'm as motivated as ever, given that I've got so much more to race for now. This is the fourth, potentially a fourth Tour de France title that I'm here for, to try and get and that's ... I mean it's massive, it's massive. The challenge is even bigger this year, I feel the level of my rivals is even higher this year on a difficult course as well. So I'm here with all the motivation I've had before and even more."

10. 02:07 Podium

11. 02:11 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Tour de France champion

"What happened last year wasn't planned. I was reading the race in the right moment and making a decision. Of course I think the race this year is going to be a race that favours more aggressive riders so I'm certainly going to be looking out for those opportunities and look to ride an aggressive race if the opportunity is there."

12. 02:40 Audience and podium

13. 02:51 SOUNDBITE; (English) Chris Froome, Tour de France champion:

(on his future with Team Sky)

"I'm actually in the process of finalising now an extension with Team Sky until 2021 so at least for the next three years. So yeah, certainly."

14. 03:09 Chris Froome and Dave Brailsford

15. 03:12 SOUNDBITE: (English) Dave Brailsford, Team Sky general manager:

"You know, I'm pretty patriotic and I think what we've done here is built something from scratch really in British cycling and very, very proud of everything we've done with it. Now we've got a global team with many different riders from many different countries and proud every single one of them too. It's a real privilege to be among these lads, see how they work, see the quality of the work they put in, to be sitting here with a bloke who's won the Tour de France as many times as Chris has and going for another one, it's very, very ... you've got to remind yourself at times just how special that is."

16. 03:53 Camera pan right from cameramen gathering around Froome after end of presser

17. 03:59 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome:

(asked why it will be more difficult to win the Tour this year compared to the last)

"For two reasons mainly. The level of my rivals is higher than it has been before and also I think the parcours we have this year with less mountain-top finishes and les time trial kilometres, it leaves less opportunities for the GC (General Classification) riders."

18. 04:24 Chris Froome leaving

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 04:30

Sky will end its involvement in cycling in 2019 after more than a decade of backing.

The decision will bring to a conclusion Sky's ownership and sponsorship of Team Sky, which will continue to race if a new backer is secured by 2020.

The team will compete as Team Sky for the last time during the 2019 road racing season.

Team Sky have won 322 races including eight Grand Tours, 52 other stage races and 25 one-day races after starting their sponsorship in 2010.

Two years later Sir Bradley Wiggins became the first Briton to win the Tour de France, with Chris Froome claiming the first of his four Tour titles in 2013.

In the summer Geraint Thomas became the third Team Sky rider - as well as the third Briton - to win the Tour de France, the team's sixth success at the race in seven years.

SHOTLIST: Various.  

Cardiff, Wales, UK - 9th August 2018.

1. 00:00 Geraint Thomas being interviewed at a homecoming event

2. 00:08 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France champion:

(on why he wants to stay at Team Sky, if he wants to be lead rider within team)

"Yeah, obviously that's a big role. But obviously the support you get as well. Not just the riders around you but the staff. And everything, you know. So yeah, it's a big decision but yeah. It's big but it's also kind of easy as well in a way."

3. 00:26 Various of Geraint Thomas at homecoming event

London, England. 10th August, 2014.

4. 00:42 Team Sky car and bikes

5. 00:51 Sir Bradley Wiggins speaking to media

6. 00:54 Wiggins signing autographs and posing for photos with young fans

Mallorca, Spain. 24th January, 2013.

7. 01:06 Wiggins cycling  

Chemin de Colombier, France. 30th June, 2016.

8. 01:13 Chris Froome and Team Sky colleagues

Nice, France. 15th March, 2015.

9. 01:20 Various of Team Sky buses

London, England, UK. 8th October, 2014.

10. 02:42 Various of General Manager of Team Sky Sir Dave Brailsford

Mallorca, Spain. 11th January, 2015.

11. 01:53 Various of Team Sky riding

12. 02:05 Brailsford being interviewed

13. 02:09 SOUNDBITE: (English) Sir David Brailsford, General Manager, Team Sky:

"Well we have just come...when we started with Team Sky we had a five-year plan and a strategy for five years and a vision, which was to try and win the Tour de France obviously with a British rider clean and to try and get a million more people cycling in Britain - and we achieved that. It kind of feels a little bit like it is the end of one chapter and now we are starting a new chapter, which is our next five years up until 2020. So, next year is a big part of that because what we would like to do, from our point of view, we want the next five years to be better than the first five years. That is how we are as people.''

14. 02:48 Various of Froome and Team Sky riding

Dusseldorf, Germany - 30th June 2017.

15. 03:04 Various of Chris Froome

16. 03:18 Brailsford

17. 03:23 Geraint Thomas

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:27

Astana Pro Team captain Jakub Fuglsang said on Thursday that he is targeting a podium finish at the Tour de France 2019, despite remaining wary of the threat of Team Ineos.

Speaking in Brussels ahead of Friday's Grand Depart du Tour de France 2019 from the Belgian capital, Fuglsang admitted Team Ineos remain favourites in his eyes despite four-time winner Chris Froome's absence through injury.

The Swiss-born Danish rider pointed to the fact that last year's winner Geraint Thomas remains a significant contender for Team Ineos, and will be tough to beat if he reproduces his 2018 form.

Fuglsang, who finished 12th in last year's Tour as he struggled with a lack of energy, revealed he has a new nutritional programme, which he is hoping will aid his aims of an improved performance this time around.

Brussels, Belgium - July 4th, 2019.

1. 00:00 Jakub Fuglsang arriving and taking a seat on the podium

2. 00:20 Fuglsang on podium, photographers taking pictures

3. 00:27 Media members

4. 00:30 SOUNDBITE (English) Jakub Fuglsang, Astana Pro Team captain:

(asked how open the Tour is this year)

"I agree that it looks to be more open maybe, especially with (Chris) Froome out, but I think we shouldn't forget that the winner of last year's Tour is actually here. Geraint Thomas, and Ineos they have a strong team and they will for sure try to control again. And I think if G (Thomas) has the shape of last year then it might not be as open as everybody believes, but yeah, we will see hopefully we can...hopefully the Team Astana and also me have the level to challenge them and to make a good race and to make an open race, would for sure be nice to have to an open Tour de France and to have a more aggressive kind of racing style maybe in this Tour but we will see."

5. 01:37 Astana Pro Team sport director Dmitriy Fofonov arriving on podium

6. 01:49 SOUNDBITE (English) Jakub Fuglsang, Astana Pro Team captain:

(on Team Ineos)

"The biggest change will be maybe within the Ineos team itself. I think riding on the road in the Peloton with Chris (Froome) you see that he is the road captain and that he guides his team very good and that can maybe be one thing that they will lack, the road captain. But on the other hand they have a lot of experience in the team, not only Chris. So, I don't think it will have such a big impact. And apart from that yeah we have to see it, it's difficult to say, it's all guessing for now, but I think they still have the strongest team and as I said they have the winner of the Tour de France from last year, so even without Chris on the team we shouldn't underestimate them. And I still believe that they are the favourites."

7. 02:51 Wide of podium

8. 02:55 SOUNDBITE (English) Jakub Fuglsang, Astana Pro Team captain:

(on his target this year)

"My goal is to try to arrive on the podium. That is my goal if I have to put a concrete figure on. If it's then ending up being top 5 or whatever, I think as long as you're within in top 5 it can...yeah...you need a bit of luck also for being on the podium or maybe you are fourth or whatever, but the goal is to be on the podium and of course the dream is still to try to win, but I believe it's realistic and if everything goes good and with a strong team behind me that podium should be possible."

9. 03:45 Jakub Fuglsang leaving podium

10. 04:07 SOUNDBITE (English) Jakub Fuglsang, Astana Pro Team captain:

(on last year's Tour and the role nutrition played)

"Last year was not only that let's say the food was not right, it was also maybe some supplementation that afterwards doing tests we saw that there was a disbalance in my body and last year felt like I had energy for one hour of full-gas racing and after that I was just empty, I didn't have the power that I needed and of course it was one thing to think of for this year and also together with the team nutritionist we started already a little bit last year talking about it and especially for this year we went one step further and made a full, or he made a full programme, for let's say to make sure that what you burn you also get back in."

11. 05:11 Various of Fuglsang being interviewed

STORYLINE:

Team Sky continued their preparations for the 2017 Tour de France with a final pre-race training ride in Dusseldorf, Germany on Friday (30th June).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

The 104th edition of the Tour de France gets underway on Saturday (1st July) with a 14-kilometre individual time trial around the streets of Dusseldorf, Germany.

Chris Froome will be aiming to make a strong start to the defence of his Tour de France title and the 32-year-old Briton continued his preparations by going for a final pre-race training ride with his Sky team-mates on Friday.

Froome is seeking a fourth overall victory in cycling's greatest race and could become the first man since Miguel Indurain to win at least three consecutive Tour de France general classification titles (Tour de France results from 1999 to 2006 having been expunged from the record books).

His latest bid for glory will be supported by Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa, Mikel Nieve, Luke Rowe and Geraint Thomas.

This year's race starts in Germany and crosses into Belgium and then Luxembourg before heading into France.

A total of 21 stages will be covered in the space of 23 days, with the race climaxing on 23rd July with a traditional ride to the Champs Elysees in Paris.

Dusseldorf, Germany. 30th June 2017.

1. 00:00 Various of Chris Froome before training ride

2. 00:26 Team Sky general manager Sir Dave Brailsford

3. 00:32 Christian Knees

4. 00:42 Vasil Kiryienka

5. 00:48 Geraint Thomas

6. 01:02 Various of team members preparing for ride

7. 01:21 Various of Froome talking to team mechanics

8. 01:55 Team members waiting to ride

9. 02:02 Various of team members setting off on ride

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 02:09