Team Sky boss Dave Brailsford revealed to ITV Sport reporter Ned Boulting that Chris Froome rode his opening Prologue with cotton wool still left in his nose.

The Kenyan born Briton forgot to take them out after warming up in Liege, but still posted the 11th best time.

Brailsford said, "Froomey, in his excitement, left them in and went down the ramp! If he did that time just breathing through his mouth, how fast can he go breathing through his nose and his mouth?"

"He has gone under the radar a little bit. Super nice guy and we wish him every bit of luck in this race."

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