Chris Froome: "I’m not going to set myself a limit" at Dauphiné

Chris Froome almost lost his career and life at this very same race in 2019 when he crashed against a wall during a recon of an ITT, however after years of fighting back he begins to show positive signs of a return to competitive level at the Critérium du Dauphiné.

He told reporters at the start of stage two that "this is the first time, really, in the last three years that I’ve been fully niggle-free, issue free. I haven’t had any pain, I haven’t had any discomfort, the left-right leg balance is in place." This has led to his best result in three years at the Mercan'Tour Classic where he finished 11th, and is looking to build on that this week. That comes as a result of an "uninterrupted period since January until now of being able to work consistently and move things in the right direction," he says.

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Preview - Critérium du Dauphiné 2022 stage 3

Although it's unclear if he's got the legs to target the overall classification, over the first days of the French race he has stayed attempt and well positioned in the peloton with the aid of his Israel - Premier Tech teammates.

"It’s understandable that people have got these expectations given what I’ve achieved in my career, but, at the same time, I think people need to remember where I’m coming from, these last three years, is a completely different place," he said regarding the expectations that he often sees associated with his name.

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Julian Alaphilippe preparing for Tour de France at Sierra Nevada

Today in Sancy he will have his first test where he'll be hoping to match the best in the summit finish. "At this this race three years ago I almost lost my life. I couldn’t straighten my leg or put weight on my leg for the best part of four or five months. ...To come back from something like that isn’t guaranteed. It’s a step-by-step process," he added.

As for what he can do, he concluds: "I’m not going to set myself a limit, and say ‘that’s my level, that’s where I’m, going to get to’. I’m just going to keep working as hard as I can, keep moving things in the right redirection. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have the support of my team. Israel-Premier Tech have been extremely patient with me, supportive of everything, so I’m very fortunate to be in this position."

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World championships presence "is an idea that I like" - Vincenzo Nibali