Chris Froome has confirmed he will make winning next year’s Tour de France his main target despite initially hinting that he may concentrate his efforts elsewhere.
In October, the 2013 winner Froome had suggested he may miss the 2015 edition in favour of a possible attempt at the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, which he feels may offer more balanced routes that are more suitable to his blend of time trial and climbing skills. Next year’s race will include only 14 kilometres of individual time trial, on the opening day in the Dutch city of Utrecht.
However, the Team Sky rider has now confirmed on his personal website that he has now had a change of heart.
“Of course, together with the team, we’ve had to prioritise some events over others, but the Tour will remain my main focus for 2015,” wrote Froome. “The concept of doing all three Grand Tours in a season has got appeal but having said that, I know how hard it is to do two Grand Tours while targeting the overall win. At this point in my career I feel that the Tour takes priority. There may come a time at some point down the line where other races may take preference, but for 2015, it’s the Tour.
“There is no doubt that this Tour de France is going to be a tough test, but I enjoy the challenge and there’s no reason why I would be any worse off than any of the other contenders. It is our responsibility as a team to adapt accordingly so that we can be as competitive as possible there,” Froome added.
“It’s a climber’s Tour next year so I’m going to have to work extra hard in the mountains and spend less time on practising time trialling. It’s also going to be important to be as light as possible, so our nutrition will play a key role. There will be new tests for me as an individual, that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Froome was unable to defend his title last year after withdrawing during the fifth stage following a series of crashes which caused hand and wrist fractures. Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali went on to take the Tour in Paris.
Having returned to finish second behind Spain’s Alberto Contador at the Vuelta in August, he is now back in training before the new season and is targeting the Ruta del Sol on 18 February as his first race of the new year.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed my time off, and now I am concentrating on preparing myself mentally and physically for the season ahead. I’ve started training in the warm weather in South Africa where I have been able to get some decent miles in on the bike.”
