Luke Rowe is relishing the chance to help Chris Froome win a third Tour de France crown next month.

The Cardiff-born rider played a key role in his Team Sky team-mate’s Yellow Jersey triumph last year.

And Rowe looks certain to get the nod again when Sky confirm their line-up for the three-week event which starts on July 2.

It is all a bit different for Rowe – who finished 93rd as Froome retained his Criterium du Dauphine title last week – than 12 months ago when he wasn’t sure of the coveted spot.

The 26-year-old said: “It’s a nice position to be in.

“Last year I was really fighting to get into the squad but bar illness or injury it looks like a done deal. It’s a good position to be in.”

Rowe’s main role will be to protect Froome on the flatter stages

“It’s going to be a tough race,” added Rowe, speaking to cycling news.com.

“It’s a harder race with hills and mountain stages almost straight from the start.

“The final make-up and build of the team, I’m not sure and we’ll have to wait and see, but it’s certainly going to be a more climbing-orientated team.”

Rowe will be joined by fellow Welshman Geraint Thomas who struggled in the cold of the Tour de Suisse which ended on Sunday slipping to 17th overall.