Aspiring to become the second Briton to win the Grand Tour after Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2012, Froome has had a near perfect build up to his primary objective with victories in the Tour of Oman, Criterium International, Tour de Romandie and the Critérium du Dauphiné underlining his abilities for the maillot jaune.

With a team built around his aspirations for the green points classification jersey, which he won in 2011, Cavendish will hope to add to his tally of 23 Tour stage wins and close the gap on Eddy Merckx’s record of 34. The former Team Sky rider already has a points classification win this year in the Giro d’Italia – completing his Grand Tour collection.

One of only five Britons to wear the maillot jaune - after Tom Simpson, Sean Yates and Chris Boardman, and before Wiggins - Millar will form part of the support for team leaders Ryder Hesjedal and Irishman Dan Martin. A second Grand Tour of the year after withdrawing from the Giro d’Italia.

After missing Wiggins’ Tour win to focus on the London Olympics, where he won team pursuit gold, Thomas returns to Team Sky’s squad for a fourth appearance in the race having debuted in 2007. Part of Sky’s Critérium du Dauphiné team which helped Froome to victory, the Welshman will again play a supporting role.

Also a London 2012 team pursuit winner, Kennaugh will make his Tour debut to add to Giro and Vuelta appearances. He has been present at Froome’s wins in the Tour of Oman, Tour de Romandie and the Critérium du Dauphiné and will again form part of the support entourage for Team Sky’s leader.

Another debuting Brit, the 2012 British road champion will be tasked with using his renowned work ethic as a domestique to support Froome, particularly protecting his team on the flatter sections before handing over responsibility on the climbs.