Team Sky general manager Dave Brailsford has indicated that Bradley Wiggins will be focusing on the Giro d'Italia rather than the defence of his Tour de France title.
Wiggins became the first British rider to cross the finish line at the Champs Elysees in the famous yellow jersey last year, before going on to claim Olympic gold in the time trial event.
However, it has been reported that Chris Froome, who finished second on last year's Tour, will be selected as lead rider because of his prowess in the mountain stages.
Wiggins had not given up hope of leading the team in France once more, but Brailsford believes that the 32-year-old should target victory in Italy.
"The tour of Italy is well suited to Bradley," Brailsford told Sky Sports News.
"It's a challenging race and one which is one of the three grand tours.
"To me it would make a lot of sense for Brad to try and target that to see if he could go on and win the great tour of Italy."
Wiggins capped off a marvellous 2012 by being named the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year.
Michael Penkman
