Chris Froome to leave Team Ineos at the end of the 2020 season to join Israel Start-Up Nation

Chris Froome will leave Team Ineos at the end of this year, the team announced have announced.

The 35-year-old had been linked with a mid-season switch to another team to aid his chances of winning a record-equalling fifth Tour de France. But he will now be part of a star-studded Ineos line-up at this year’s delayed race alongside fellow former Tour winners Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal.

It has since been confirmed Froome will join the heavily financially backed Israel Start-Up Nation for next season.

He said: “It has been a phenomenal decade with the team, we achieved so much and I will treasure the memories.

"I look forward to exciting new challenges as I move into the next phase of my career but in the meantime my focus is on winning a fifth Tour de France with Team Ineos."

Sir Dave Brailsford said: "Chris's current contract comes to an end in December and we have taken the decision now not to renew it.

"We are making this announcement earlier than would usually be the case to put an end to recent speculation and allow the team to focus on the season ahead."

Israel Start-Up Nation confirmed Froome's signing Thursday afternoon.

The team's co-owner Sylvan Adams said: "This is an historic moment for ISN, Israel, Israeli sports, our many fans all around the world and, of course, for me personally - a moment of enormous pride.

"Chris is the best rider of his generation and will lead our Tour de France and Grand Tour squad.

"We hope to make history together as Chris pursues further Tour de France and Grand Tour victories, achievements that would make a serious case for Chris to be considered the greatest cyclist of all time."