Chris Froome reportedly refuses to give his backing to Team Sky boss Dave Brailsford
Team Sky's star rider also not one of the many riders to tweet their support for Brailsford
Team Sky's attempt to present a unified front in the face of growing controversy was dealt a blow on Tuesday as star rider Chris Froome reportedly declined to sign a joint statement supporting team manager Dave Brailsford.
On Monday night, a number of Team Sky riders - not including Froome - took to Twitter to give their support to Brailsford, with the team planning to put out a joint statement of support on Tuesday.
>>> Geraint Thomas 'frustrated' and 'annoyed' by Team Sky press coverage
However, according to the Telegraph and other media outlets, Froome declined to sign the statement (which was then shelved), choosing instead to take to Instagram to share a photo of himself and his son with a giraffe in South Africa.
Froome's silence comes as his team continues to fight back in the controversy surrounding the mystery package delivered to the team at the 2011 Critérium du Dauphiné and the use of therapeutic use exemptions before major races.
Although there was not statement from the riders on Tuesday, there was a lengthy document issued by the team itself, attacking "inaccurate" and "simply untrue" assumptions made over the past few months.
>>> What next for Chris Froome with Team Sky' credibibility 'in tatters'?
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
As for Froome, he last spoke at length about the issue in January, when he sought to distance himself from Brailsford and the team, asking people to judge him on his values, rather than what was going on around Team Sky.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
Knog Blinder 1300 review - excellent visibility for you and other road users
Solid performance, great mounting options and a respectable price point make the Blinder a great competitor for long nights this winter
By Joe Baker Published
-
Everything you want to know about the Q Factor
What it is and why it matters, how to measure it, what the Q stands for, and more
By Tyler Boucher Published
-
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Everybody wants to get better and get back to winning,' 20-year-old tells audience at Rouleur Live
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tension
Speaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers to partner with German development team for 2025
Ineos set to partner with German Continental squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as an official development partner
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since June
Announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I never thought I'd really leave the team': Luke Rowe opens up on his reasons for departing Ineos Grenadiers
Welsh road captain is heading to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to become a sports director
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers announce 'highly motivated, hungry and ambitious' new performance structure for 2025
New sports directors, lead performance coach and head of performance support announced, among other changes
By Adam Becket Published
-
'I can help get the team back to where it was' - 20-year-old Artem Shmidt looks to the future after Ineos Grenadiers' disappointing season
Shmidt hoping to help revitalise team backed by Jim Ratcliffe after season of woes and as star rider Tom Pidcock gets set to move on
By Tom Thewlis Published