Chris Froome set to sign extension to Team Sky contract

Chris Froome has reiterated his trust in Team Sky ahead of his bid for a fourth victory in the Tour de France.

And the 32-year-old is set to sign a new contract with Team Sky, which could be finalised before Saturday's opening stage.

The three-time winner and his team faced the media in Dusseldorf on Wednesday evening ahead of this year's race.

They had to field plenty of questions relating to the ongoing UK Anti-Doping investigation into alleged wrongdoing by Team Sky, but Froome refused to be rattled.

"Certainly I've learned to grow a thicker skin over the years and I understand where it's coming from, given cycling's history," he said. "It's not something I take personally anymore.

"I don't take those questions and feel it's an attack on me personally but more just a reflection of what has happened in the sport.

"I do sympathise with people who have had their doubts, because I've had my doubts as well about performances post the early 2000s. I can see where those questions are coming from.

"I think for me personally I'm just going to have to show over time that my results are going to stand. I can rest assured that they are, but it might take other people a bit longer."

Brailsford says he remains proud of everything the team - who have won four of the past five Tours - have achieved, and says the increasing pressure and criticism he has been subjected to hasn't dampened his desire to lead Sky.

"I've been involved in this sport a very long time," he said.

"I'm proud of British Cycling, I'm proud of Team Sky, I'm proud of these guys, and I'm proud of the way we have tried to do everything in the right way.

"I love it, I absolutely love it. I wouldn't want to be doing anything else. I'm going nowhere."

Froome, who joined Team Sky from their inception in 2010, said he had never seen any evidence of wrongdoing within the team.

"I've been here since the beginning and I've never seen anything untoward," he added. "I don't have any trust issues. I can't make it any more plain."

Froome is ready to back up those words by signing a deal which would extend his commitment until 2021.

Asked if the contract could be seen as a sign of his faith in the team, Froome said: "Certainly".