Chris Froome reportedly refuses to give his backing to Team Sky boss Dave Brailsford
Team Sky's star rider also not one of the many riders to tweet their support for Brailsford
Team Sky's attempt to present a unified front in the face of growing controversy was dealt a blow on Tuesday as star rider Chris Froome reportedly declined to sign a joint statement supporting team manager Dave Brailsford.
On Monday night, a number of Team Sky riders - not including Froome - took to Twitter to give their support to Brailsford, with the team planning to put out a joint statement of support on Tuesday.
>>> Geraint Thomas 'frustrated' and 'annoyed' by Team Sky press coverage
However, according to the Telegraph and other media outlets, Froome declined to sign the statement (which was then shelved), choosing instead to take to Instagram to share a photo of himself and his son with a giraffe in South Africa.
Froome's silence comes as his team continues to fight back in the controversy surrounding the mystery package delivered to the team at the 2011 Critérium du Dauphiné and the use of therapeutic use exemptions before major races.
Although there was not statement from the riders on Tuesday, there was a lengthy document issued by the team itself, attacking "inaccurate" and "simply untrue" assumptions made over the past few months.
>>> What next for Chris Froome with Team Sky' credibibility 'in tatters'?
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
As for Froome, he last spoke at length about the issue in January, when he sought to distance himself from Brailsford and the team, asking people to judge him on his values, rather than what was going on around Team Sky.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
Hexlox anti-theft system for wheels review - is the ‘world’s smallest lock for bike parts’ any good?
This bolt blocking solution from Hexlox is tiny and saves you having to lug around a lock cable to go with your D-lock
By Anna Marie Abram Published
-
What's the optimum pressure for my gravel tyres?
Tyre pressure impacts comfort, grip and speed on gravel - here's how to get it right
By Luke Friend Published
-
'You can't sugarcoat it' - Luke Rowe says Ineos Grenadiers are 'underperforming'
British squad's experienced road captain believes his team has been "overtaken" by others
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Steve Cummings replaced by Tom Pidcock's coach in Tour of Britain management team shake-up at Ineos Grenadiers
Cummings was on the provisional start list submitted to the race organiser, but was replaced by Kurt Bogaerts
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Dan Bigham becomes Head of Engineering at Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
After winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Bigham then left his role at Ineos due to his frustrations with the setup currently in place at the team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Remco Evenepoel and Julian Alaphilippe confirmed for Tour of Britain Men
Double Olympic champion and Alaphilippe headline Soudal Quick-Step team selection
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Wout van Aert’s 2023 Tour of Britain prize money still in limbo
Funds still outstanding after British Cycling agreed to honour prize money
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Olympic mountain bike champion 'had no choice' but to leave Ineos Grenadiers to race on the road
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot signed for Visma-Lease a Bike this week due to Ineos Grenadiers still lacking plans for a Women’s WorldTour team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers and Soudal Quick-Step set to headline fast approaching Tour of Britain
Double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel expected to feature for Soudal Quick-Step as Belgian team return to the race for the first time since 2021
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published