Chris Froome signs two-year extension with Team Sky

Three-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome has signed a two-year extension with Team Sky.

The news comes on the eve of this year's Tour de France, which begins on Saturday.

Froome, 32, previously triumphed in cycling's most famous race in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

His previous deal was due to expire at the end of next season and the signing of an extension represents a vote of confidence from the British rider in Team Sky, who are being investigated by UK Anti-Doping for alleged wrongdoing.

Froome said in a statement: "I've been at Team Sky since we began in 2010 and for me it's home.

"I'm really happy here and excited that I'll be with Team Sky for at least the next three years.

"It's been a really successful partnership and I think one of the big reasons for that is the stability of the team.

"As a rider that is really important, as it means you can just get on with your job and focus on winning bike races.

"The Tour de France wins we have achieved together have been a big part of the team's history. Now I'm looking forward to being part of Team Sky's future."

Froome is favourite to win the Tour once again this summer but thinks he faces his toughest challenge yet due to the formidable opposition and the nature of the course.

"I genuinely think this year's Tour route presents the biggest challenge to me that I've faced in my career to date," said Froome earlier this week.

"I don't think this year's course necessarily suits me as well as previous Tour de France courses have.

"I say that because of the lack of mountain top finishes and also the lack of time-trial kilometres. Having said that, it means that it's going to be a lot closer race and a lot more exciting for the fans."

The Tour de France gets underway with a 14km time trial in Dusseldorf on Saturday.