The road cycling season is now over. It's now time for the typical end-of-year Criteriums. At the one in Saitama, Chris Froome was present and spoke in depth to Marca, including about his plans for what could be his final season in the peloton.
The Israel - Premier Tech rider will face the last season of his current Israel - Premier Tech contract in 2025. He will turn 40 in May, so professional retirement after the end of next year is a strong possibility. However, after failing to compete in the last two editions of the Tour de France, the 4 time champion (2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017), Froome dreams of going one last time at least for a stage win.
"I don't know yet what my calendar will be for next year," the experienced Brit says. "We'll see in the preseason. I don't know what my plans will be, but my challenge is to try to race in a Grand Tour again. I don't see it as crazy."
What is clear is that, despite being one of the great veterans of the peloton, every time Froome gets on the bike he still does it with the same enthusiasm as from day one. We'll have to see if Israel - Premier Tech grants him the chance to return to the Tour de France, or even any of the three Grand Tours, given the fact that he hasn't raced one since the 2022 Vuelta a Espana.
This isn't the first time lately that Froome has outlined intentions for a final Tour de France either. Speaking in a press release by the Saitama Criterium, the modern day Grand Tour legend again insisted he could play an important role in 2025. "I didn't make the cut for the last two, but it's not far-fetched to think that, if I give it my all, I can still earn a spot on the team and play my part — hunting for a stage win, maybe, or working for my teammate Derek Gee, for example," Froome said.
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