Geraint Thomas was one of Great Britain's gold medallists in Beijing

Team Sky's bid to compete in the 2010 Tour de France has been boosted by the award of a four-year ProTour licence by the International Cycling Union.

The British team require a wild card to appear in next year's race, handed out at the discretion of race organisers, Amaury Sports Organisation.

But the UCI licence should enhance Team Sky's participation prospects.

However, team principal Dave Brailsford denied Sky have made an approach for Garmin-Slipstream's Bradley Wiggins.

The three-time Olympic track champion finished fourth in this year's Tour de France, equalling Robert Millar's best-placed finish for a British rider.

But his American team insist he is going nowhere. "Bradley is under contract with us through 2010," said a Garmin-Slipstream spokesman.

606: DEBATE I heard that if Contador signs for Garmin them Wiggins would sign for Sky Mike_Green

Brailsford, who has signed up 16 riders for the newly formed team, including Beijing gold medallist Geraint Thomas, denied an approach for Wiggins has been made.

"It's taken us all by surprise that one," he said. "We had a Team Sky away day yesterday so were locked in a hotel all day so certainly nothing came from us.

"There's no comment really from our side, to be honest."

French team Ag2r La Mondiale were given a three-year deal, extending their Pro-Tour license until the end of the 2012 season.

And two races in Canada, the Grands Prix of Quebec and Montreal, were also granted Pro-Tour status, each receiving a four-year licence.

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