Sky at the Tour team time trial: Photo special

Cycling Weekly photographer Andy Jones followed Team Sky's progress during Sunday's team time trial stage of the 2011 Tour de France.

In this series of exclusive photopgraphs, he chronicles the British-based squad's pre-stage preparations as they bid to win the stage.

Sky team management check over Edvald Boasson Hagen's time trial bike

UCI inspectors were being strict with saddle position before the race - here Bradley Wiggins' TT bike gets a final check-over by Sky mechanics

Team Sky warm-up on the turbo trainers

Shane Sutton ensures all the riders and staff know what the plan is for the day

Bradley Wiggins gets into the zone

Geraint Thomas had a chance of taking the yellow jersey if Sky won the stage, but it was not to be

Bradley Wiggins warms up

Ben Swift checks on progress from the team bus. The British sprinter will have an eye on Monday's flat stage

Bradley Wiggins looking relaxed before the stage

Geraint Thomas's shoes get an adjustment

Final good luck wishes before the start

Sky set the fastest time at the first checkpoint before losing two riders and slipping four seconds adrift of stage winners Garmin-Cervelo at the finish

Juan Antonio Flecha hits the front with Geraint Thomas and Bradley Wiggins behind. The squad finished third on the stage behind Garmin-Cervelo and BMC Racing

Geraint Thomas safely kept hold of the white jersey of best young rider

Tour de France 2011: Related links

Tour de France 2011: Cycling Weekly's coverage index