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A potential rivalry between Team Sky's British riders Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome can be good for cycling, according to team-mate Geraint Thomas.

Wiggins, 33, the 2012 Tour de France champion, wants to defend his title and does not expect a decision until much nearer to the 29 June start.

But last year's Tour de France runner-up Froome, 27, insists he will lead the British-based team's challenge.

"I quite like all the hype. I think it gets cycling out there," said Thomas.

"It is another story, as long as it doesn't affect the riders and I don't think it is.

"I was with Froomey a couple of days ago and he was just joking about it, it gets people talking and gets people interested in it.

"We don't want it to go down the football route and it become a soap opera but I think the odd story like this is good."

Kenya-born Froome supported Wiggins in last year's Tour success, but Team Sky boss Sir Dave Brailsford indicated last November that Froome would lead their bid for a repeat in 2013.

Thomas is likely to form part of Sky's operation to retain the title and he admits he does not have a preference as to who he would like to see lead this time around.

"As long as the same thing happens as last year and we win, I don't care who wins," said the 26-year-old, at an event to promote Etape Cymru, a grassroots cycling event in North Wales on 8 September.

"As long as it is Team Sky, hopefully they will both be on the podium and that will mean more prize money.

"The decision on the leader is really for the team to decide and at the end of the day we are all professionals and it is our job, we will do what we are told."