Chris Froome is starting contract year, with the future beyond 2023 unknown. However, the former triple-Grand Tour winner remains motivated and ambitious ahead of the upcoming season which he will begin in the land Down Under.
"I'm realistic about it, I know given everything I've been through the last few years, it's not something right here, right now I can say, 'Right, that's my goal this year'. But it is there at the back of my mind and it is a carrot," Froome told the media at the Tour Down Under.
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As some riders choose the more traditional start in Europe, or the calm roads of the Vuelta a San Juan, Chris Froome has instead travelled to Australia to start his third season with Israel - Premier Tech. "Big miles in the heat have always done me well. I always find that gets me moving," he justified the decision, starting his season in Australia for the first time since 2017.
"Last year, it was the first time I was completely pain-free from the accident. I didn't have any lingering issues," he continued. "If I can build on that progress, hopefully I can get closer to being up there, where it really counts, that's the dream scenario for me."
After showing good signs last season, Froome was struck with Covid-19 during the Tour de France which derailed his plans. However he remains ambitious: "A lot of people would say, 'Oh, but why are you doing it? You used to be winning Grand Tours, one after the other - and now you're a long way back'. I see it in another way, it took me almost a year to walk without a limp and here I am racing basically at the highest level again."
"I just feel like everything from here on out is a bonus for me. It still gives me a lot of joy and happiness, racing my bike," he added. Although he's not expected to be in the mix for the overall classification in the Australian race, he will be of good support for Daryl Impey and Corbin Strong - and Simon Clarke, if he recovers from a recent Covid infection.
Froome is looking to get some rhythm in the legs before returning to Europe. He will likely be racing the Tour de France this summer, but has not yet decided on his upcoming calendar. His form will be tested in the hilly terrain this upcoming week.
"The big crash I had, just walking away from the sport then, it wouldn't have sat well with me, I would have regrets. Especially what I learned the last few years, I know nothing is 100 per cent sure, but certainly I don't have any plans to stop any time soon," the 37-year old concluded.
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