Adidas has upped its backing of British cycling, unveiling a partnership with Team Sky, the team launched last year with the goal of producing a British Tour de France champion within four years.

Adidas will be Team Sky's official apparel and accessories partner, providing almost 100 different pieces of apparel and accessories and some 14,000 units of kit each year. Financial terms were not released, but industry experts believe the deal to be worth more than US$700,000 per year.

"The Adidas partnership with Sky Pro Cycling is one we are proud to be taking on," said Robin Money, head of sports marketing, Adidas UK & Ireland. "Adidas has worked successfully with British Cycling and Dave Brailsford for a number of years, supplying riders with the very best in technical apparel.

"Every team needs commitment and Sky Pro Cycling aims to be the very best - and incredible attention to detail will be needed. Adidas will continue developing product advancements to help Team Sky achieve its goals both on and off the bike."

• Team Sky to be led by Olympic gold medallist Thomas

Team principal Dave Brailsford added: "The idea of marginal gains is also about the attention to detail that our technical partners will pay, such as the valuable contribution Adidas has made and adding all of these up to bring measurable improvements and better performances."