PARIS (AP) — Team Sky has confirmed 2012 champion Bradley Wiggins is not in its team “carefully constructed” to help Chris Froome successfully defend his Tour de France title.

Sky boss Dave Brailsford says on Friday the selection “inevitably led to some very tough decisions,” and Wiggins is “still a key member of Team Sky and a great champion.”

Four teammates who helped Froome to victory last year are back, including Australia’s Richie Porte. American veteran Danny Pate also joins the squad.

The 3,664-kilometer (2,277-mile) race starts in Leeds, England, on July 5.

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