Sir Dave Brailsford has suggested he could use the backing of Britain’s richest man to form a women’s Team Ineos.

Brailsford faced repeated calls for Team Sky to launch a women’s squad but said he would not be interested in doing so unless there was funding to compete at the highest level.

That was never deemed possible before now but Ineos chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe certainly has the resources and Brailsford indicated it was a possibility at the Team Ineos launch on Wednesday.

“The reality of the situation is that we’ve been spending the last few months to get the kit and the bikes and the branding changed and it’s been a monumental task in itself,” Brailsford said when asked if a women’s team was possible.

“In the next few weeks and months I’m sure we’ll sit down and discuss our future direction and other opportunities.

“I am not averse to it though.”