We look at the nine men in the Team Sky squad for the 2012 Tour de France.
BRADLEY WIGGINS
Age: 32
Nationality: British
From track thoroughbred to Tour de France favourite - a story the Londoner himself is amazed by. Has all the credentials to triumph in the general classification and has developed as a leader.
MARK CAVENDISH
Age: 27
Nationality: British
The world champion may sacrifice the defence of the points classification's green jersey to focus on the Olympics but will still be eager to impress with stage successes.
CHRIS FROOME
Age: 27
Nationality: British
The Kenya-born Brit finished ahead of Wiggins as runner-up at the 2011 Vuelta a Espana. A Grand Tour contender in his own right, but prepared to sacrifice himself for his team-mate on this occasion.
MICHAEL ROGERS
Age: 32
Nationality: Australian
The Australian, three times world time-trial champion, once had GC ambitions of his own, but now will be Team Sky's road captain and Wiggins' super-domestique.
RICHIE PORTE
Age: 27
Nationality: Australian
Like Froome, has the potential to win a Grand Tour. Supported Alberto Contador in 2011 and now will be aiming to help Wiggins to success on the greatest stage in the sport.
EDVALD BOASSON HAGEN
Age: 25
Nationality: Norwegian
Won Team Sky's first Tour stages in 2011, with two contrasting triumphs, one sprint, one solo breakaway. Will have grand ambitions of his own and may be let off the lead occasionally.
BERNHARD EISEL
Age: 31
Nationality: Austrian
The Austrian is a formidable rider in his own right with some Classic successes, but is content in his role as Cavendish's ever-present bodyguard.
KANSTANTSIN SIUTSOU
Age: 29
Nationality: Belarusian
Signed from HTC-Highroad along with Cavendish and Eisel and has been an ever-present alongside Wiggins during victories this season. Was 10th in 2011 Giro d'Italia.
CHRISTIAN KNEES
Age: 31
Nationality: German
Rode the 2011 Tour for Team Sky and performed a strong all-round role. Will be seen on the front of the peloton and supporting both Cavendish and Wiggins.
