"I am looking forward to the Vuelta with him" - Israel - Premier Tech positive on Froome's form for upcoming Vuelta a España

Chris Froome has returned to a competitive level three years after his crash at the Critérium du Dauphiné, and the positive signs take the team to a level of confidence and positivity that they were yet to have since hiring the former Tour de France winner.

After stage 16, Israel - Premier Tech DS Rik Verbrugghe has told the media: “Froome is growing. His third place at Alpe was a boost. He is growing and I don’t know where he gets. I am looking forward to the Vuelta with him.”

After finishing first and third with Hugo Houle and Michael Woods, the Israeli team got their second win of the race under unexpected circumstances. Whilst Jakob Fuglsang abandoned the race with injuries, he and Woods did not bring the team's victories, instead with Houle and Simon Clarke thriving in the race.

As for Froome he finished alongside the likes of Alexey Lutsenko and Enric Mas who are in the fight for the Top10, and the British veteran has been growing in form throughout the race. Having finished third at Alpe d'Huez he proved to be back in competitive form, and regardless of the outcome of the final days of the Tour, he is scheduled to be racing the Vuelta a España later on in the season - which looks promising taking into account his recent performances.