The Ineos Grenadiers rider wants to contend for the general classification in France before taking part in the Olympic road race scheduled just six days after the Tour finale in Paris.

The Tour de France would be the fifth Grand Tour of the 25-year-old London-born rider’s career.

Geoghegan Hart has already raced twice apiece at the Giro and Vuelta a España.

He was a surprise winner in Italy last October, beating Team Sunweb's Jai Hindley by 39 seconds in Milan after impressing in the final week.

Geoghegan Hart told the Daily Telegraph that it was a tough decision to choose between the Tour and the Giro, but that it was time to target something new.

"It was pretty much 50-50 because I think both would be really exciting," he said.

"I love racing in Italy.

"I loved the experience of the Giro.

"And of course, it would be incredible to go back there this year with the number one jersey.

"I understand the significance of that.

"But I think as a bike racer, to put it bluntly, you can't see the number on your back.

"Ultimately, I felt I wanted to target something new and different.

“And yeah, the biggest race in cycling - I think there's no argument there."

The course for this year's Olympic road race is more favourable to climbers, such as Geoghegan Hart, than sprinters.