Team Sky: Chris Froome hopes team can survive owner withdrawal

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Broadcaster Sky announced earlier on Wednesday that it would end its decade-long commitment after next season.

"I can't predict the future, but this is a really special team," said Froome, who won the Giro d'Italia in May.

"We plan to be together in 2020 if at all possible."

The British rider added: "We will all be doing everything we can to help make that happen - in different colours with a new partner, but with the same values, focus and desire to win."

Sky to end backing in 2019
Other riders on Team Sky's books include reigning Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas, Colombian prospect Egan Bernal, Dutchman Wout Poels, England's Ian Stannard and Wales' Luke Rowe.

In an open letter to fans, the team admitted their future was in doubt.

"If we can find a new long-term partner to take the team forward into a new era, then we will do so," it read. 

"Equally, any future partner would have to be the right partner - one who shares our ethos and buys in to our values."

Froome, whose contract with Team Sky runs until the end of the 2020 season, paid tribute to the team's current backers.

When they were launched in 2010, Team Sky's ambition of delivering a first British Tour de France winner by 2015 was seen as ambitious.

They achieved that goal three years ahead of schedule thanks to Sir Bradley Wiggins' 2012 success. Between him, Froome and Thomas, Team Sky have won the yellow jersey in six of the past seven races.

"Sky have been brilliant partners and it's been an incredible journey we have shared together," added Froome.

"I will always be grateful for their support.

"Everyone at Team Sky has got big ambitions for 2019 and this news has made us more more determined than ever to make them happen."

'Let's build something new'
Team principal Sir Dave Brailsford claimed Sky's withdrawal was "not really a surprise" and said he saw it as an opportunity.

"The reality of the situation with Sky is that change often leads to change," he told Sky Sports News.

"Nearly 10 years ago we started out with an ambition to win the Tour in the next five years - who would've thought that we would be here 10 years later?

"You've got to be calm - in life the goalposts are going to move - it's not a question of if they move but when. We've reacted very calmly and change brings opportunities. We build things, we're creators and we see it as an opportunity.

Brailsford added the team "couldn't be more grateful" to Sky and chief executive Jeremy Darroch for their backing.

"It's been an amazing run, but equally you look to the future and think, 'OK, let's move on, let's build something new'."