Thomas is one of three British riders in the Ineos team, alongside Ben Turner and Tom Pidcock.

Pidcock, a winner at Alpe d’Huez two years ago, has shown the form to take another Tour stage having won the Amstel Gold Race in April.

Ineos performance director Scott Drawer said: “The competition is tougher than ever, but nothing is a given in Grand Tour cycling.

“We have been racing this season as the hunters not the hunted and that brings its own advantages. The Giro last month was a perfect example of how we love to race as a team – putting pressure on, fighting for every opportunity and taking chances.

“Carlos has continued to impress and beside him will be the strength and Tour experience of Egan, with Tom and Geraint looking to race aggressively, disrupt and take the race to our competition.”

The Tour de France begins in the Italian city of Florence on 29 June.