Brailsford said he was in no hurry to reveal his hand. “There is a long time in bike racing terms between now and the start of the Tour,” he said when quizzed on the possible inclusion of Wiggins. “You’ve got to be ready for all sorts: illness, injury, crashes, and, of course, form. They’ll be the best nine at the time that we decide what the team’s going to be.” Brailsford chairs the selection panel which will decide the make-up of the team although he conceded that the panel would “take soundings” from team leader Froome with the aim to create the perfect blend.