"I've come to the reality now that returning to that level of fighting for victory at the Tour de France is going to be very, very difficult" - Chris Froome realistic about his level

Now 38 years old, there's not much that Chris Froome has left to achieve in the peloton. One of his big goals though, is a return to the Tour de France, a race synonymous with his legendary career.

“I'm still contracted for this year and for next year, and for now I think that would take me until being 40 years old. I think that for me is quite a good goal to reach 40 and still be racing," the Israel - Premier Tech rider assesses of his future plans in conversation with Eurosport. “I would be really happy with that."

A four-time Tour de France winner in his pomp, Froome missed out on the race completely last year with his performances not deemed to be up to the level required by Israel - Premier Tech boss, Sylvan Adams. Nevertheless, the Brit remains optimistic. "I mean in terms of actual goals getting back to the Tour de France and fighting for even a stage win would be for me an amazing way to end my career with at least a few more battles in the mountains," he says.

Froome does however, have to admit another Maillot Jaune is unlikely. “A fifth Tour de France for me is always there as a dream, but I think I've come to the reality now that returning to that level of really fighting for victory at the Tour de France is certainly going to be very, very difficult," he admits. “For me right now, I would just love to get back to the Tour de France. Even if I'm there fighting in the mountains, potentially for another stage win, that would be amazing.”

After an injury-hit 2023, Froome has already had more issues this year, including a crash at Tirreno-Adriatico that left him with a broken wrist. “Unfortunately, things like this [wrist injury] do set me back. I mean crashing is never fun but when you break a bone then it takes time to recover and heal from that," he laments. "Time to train, time to go to the races, being healthy. That's all it takes, but to try and avoid having setbacks and bad luck.”