Ambitious plan for Great Britain Cycling

After speculation surrounding the alleged plans of Team Sky to recruit big-name British rider such as Bradley Wiggins, David Millar and Geraint Thomas, Great Britain cycling chief executive Ian Drake has spoken about British amibitions to win the Tour de France within the next five years.

Team Sky won't make its Tour debut until next year, although there's been plenty of talk about the ability of Dave Brailsford's squad to make the cut in the biggest race on the calendar.

"Look back at what we've done in terms of Olympic and Paralympic success and set the Tour team in the same context," Drake told BBC Sport. "With Dave Brailsford leading the team and with Sky's vision and support it's got every chance of success," he explained.

Rumours were abundant last week that Wiggins and Millar were targeted by the British squad following comments made by British Cycling coach Shane Sutton. A subsequent clarification of Sutton's comments was forthcoming from British Cycling while Jonathan Vaughters quickly quashed the speculation.

Drake also wasn't giving away the identity of any potential members of the team. "We've got any number of British riders coming through but it's just too early to talk about who will make up the team," he said.