Dave Brailsford told Gary Imlach that Team Sky will stay on their toes, expecting attacks from rival teams looking to overhaul race leader Bradley Wiggins.

Brailsford spoke to Imlach at the beginning of our coverage on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Brailsford was overjoyed to see a Team Sky win on Stage 7, along with first ever yellow and polka dot jerseys for the team in the form of Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome respectively.
 
Brailsford said: "Our guys have been riding like that for most of the season. It was a good effort to make sure Brad lost no time.
 
"Strength in numbers is something we've talked about in my short experience in this race and we've come prepared for that. That was the intention and that was what the team delivered.
 
"Richie [Porte] was very good. Then Chris took it on. At the Vuelta last year everyone was thinking, 'Where's this guy come from?' I think he showed today that he can back it up and I think today he showed that he’s one of the best climbers in the peloton right now.
 
"It’s the first time Team Sky have ever worn the yellow jersey, and we've got Froomey in the polka dot and won the stage. So it's a lovely day for the team and it's nice to take five minutes to try to enjoy it for once.
 
"I am a proud man, particularly because of the efforts of the riders, the backroom staff and everyone who has bought into this project, and especially Sky.
 
"The first year was difficult, but they've stuck with us and got right behind us. So I think they should feel very proud of taking the gamble of supporting this team and I think hopefully we can pay that back.
 
"For us, this is another bike race and we're going to keep on doing what we normally do, not do anything different because it's called the Tour de France. I think that's really important, but there's a long way to go and a lot can happen in this sport."
 
In terms of his star sprinter, the Manx Missile, Brailsford added: "It's been a tough week for Mark Cavendish and I think he deserves a special mention and some real credit.
 
"He's the world champion, he's won a lot of stages here, and it hasn't quite gone his way. He's crashed and punctured, but he's been a really good team-mate.
 
"He came back to the car and got bottles for Brad and the rest of the team all day, and that's the mark of a real world champion. In that respect, that's what the team needs, a real unity."

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