Introducing Team Sky's new recruits ahead of the Tour de France (video)

Just days from the start of the biggest race in the WorldTour calendar and with a title to defend, you'd expect Team Sky to think better than alter their line-up.

But that's not the case. The team have brought in four new members, but they're all slightly familiar.

Introducing Mini Chris Froome, Mini Geraint Thomas and Mini Ian Stannard, plus a non-speaking appearance from Mini Dave Brailsford.

Froome is dedicated, Thomas just loves riding his bike, and Stannard is the tireless worker every team needs.

It looks like the Mini riders will be popping up throughout the three week Tour de France, so we look forward to seeing if Froome's sacrifice pays off.

The Mini Team Sky series can be viewed on the Sky Loves Cycling Facebook page and the Sky Loves Cycling YouTube channel.

Looking at the adult riders, Stannard appears to be a much leaner version of the rider who came third in Paris-Roubaix.

Arguably a necessary adjustment for the mountains of the Tour, but fingers crossed he's lost none of the power he'll need to shepherd Froome through the flatter stages and the expected crosswinds.