Ineos has told Egan Bernal, Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas the road will decide the team's leader at this year's Tour de France.
"In a team with three previous winners of the Tour all have shown they are capable of leading the team and all are encouraged to prepare to do so," a team statement said, quoted by
"We know a lot changes in our sport and a final decision on roles will be made closer to the time when more information is available about each rider's form, fitness and which best fits the overall team strategy.
"Given the strength of this year's opposition we know that it is the collective strength, unity and experience of our team which will optimise our chances of winning."
Chris Froome confirmed the news while reminiscing with yesterday about his famous attack on the Finestre at the 2018 Giro d'Italia.
"I am ready for the Tour, also to be a leader. The important thing is that at the end of the day the team won, it is the thing that matters. Then the road will decide the rest.
"Three leaders? I don't know how we will do it...Joke! We will find the solution and respect our goals. Everyone will want to win, but the team counts."
Earlier this month, a number of teams confirmed with Cyclingnews a mid-season transfer for Froome was raised with them while in contract discussions. The switch was allegedly prompted by the four-time Tour de France champion's dissatisfaction with Bernal publicly stating he will not sacrifice his own chances.
Last week Bernal and other high profile Colombian riders stuck at home amid the coronavirus pandemic faced the prospect of not making it to France in time for the Tour with travel bans in place there until 31 August, two days after the grand depart in Nice.
The Colombian Cycling federation is confident their application for special dispensation for the riders to leave the country will be successful.
