Team Dimension Data head of performance Rolf Aldag has made clear he will stay with the team for the remainder of the Tour de France, but stopped short of explicitly denying he considered quitting the race as the row over Mark Cavendish’s non-selection rumbled on.

Aldag and his team principal Doug Ruder on Saturday gave conflicting statements on the matter, with Ryder saying it was a “team decision” to leave Cavendish at home while Aldag said he had selected the Manxman only to be overruled.

It is understood Aldag was so frustrated by Ryder’s comments he considered leaving the Tour but the German told PA on Sunday he was here to help the eight riders who are racing.

“We have to do what’s good for the team, what’s good for the eight riders,” he said.

“I’m obligated to do that. If it’s the best for me to do that, to help them with my experience of 27 Tours de France then that’s what I’m going to do.”