Team Ineos "encourages" Chris Froome, Egan Bernal, and Geraint Thomas to lead the Tour de France this summer, with no early commitments.

The decision will be made based on each rider's form and the team's race strategy, presumably after racing resumes in July.

The question mark over leadership among the Tour's last three winners has intensified in recent weeks, with last year's winner Bernal saying he will not sacrifice his own chances and four-time champion Froome contacting rival teams about a mid-season move.

On Thursday, French newspaper L'Equipe claimed that Team Ineos boss Dave Brailsford had promised the three riders separate sole leadership.

In a statement to Cycling News on Thursday, the team clarified their position.

"In a team with three previous Tour winners, everyone has shown that they are capable of leading the team and everyone is encouraged to be prepared to do so," a team spokesman said.

"Because so much changes in our sport, final role assignments will be made closer to the time when more information becomes available on each player's form and fitness, and who best fits the overall team strategy.

"Given the strength of our opponents this year, we know that the collective strength, cohesiveness, and experience of the team is what optimizes our chances of winning."

"The team's ability to win is a key factor in the success of the tournament.

Froome, who claims to be back to full fitness after suffering a career-threatening injury last June and is on track to tie the record of five Tour de France titles, discusses Team Ineos' leadership dilemma.

He appeared on the Italian version of Sky Sports on Wednesday night, putting team goals ahead of personal ambitions.

"I am ready for the Tour and I am ready to be a leader," Froome said in Italian. 'What matters is that at the end of the day the team wins. That's what's important. The rest is up to the road."

"Three leaders? How are we going to manage them.... Just kidding, but find solutions and respect the goals. Everyone will want to win, but what matters is the team."

However, a report in Thursday's L'Equipe painted a different picture, suggesting that the French newspaper doubts how Froome can balance the three competing interests.

"It is possible to share leadership between two, but not between three," he is quoted as telling a close associate.

Another article in L'Equipe reported that Froome had been in contact with the manager of a rival team about a transfer, but did not "give the impression of being really happy" about the mid-season move.

"We have to give a little time for things to be resolved. I don't know yet in what condition I will be going into the Tour de France."