Sylvan Adams on the situation around Froome's (no) nomination for Tour de France: "I think even Chris would admit that he cannot be considered a GC contender"

After declaring that he felt Chris Froome was not value for his salary, Israel-Premier Tech owner Sylvan Adams reiterated his criticism of the four-time Tour de France winner but defended the team's reputation of hiring veteran riders in an interview with Cyclingnews.

"I think even Chris would admit that he cannot be considered a GC contender. He hasn't had any results in three years to speak of. He had one exciting stage on the Alpe d'Huez at the Tour last summer, but that's been pretty much it."

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Adams qualified his statements that Froome was not a value for the money with a gesture of respect for his past achievements. "He is the greatest Grand Tour rider of this generation – until somebody else gets seven Grand Tours. I have nothing but respect for Chris Froome. But when we are selecting our 2023 Tour de France team, what he did several years ago no longer counts."

"He accepted the criteria for his selection to the Tour team. Sure he was disappointed and he made public statements that he thought he was ready although his results speak otherwise. He talked about equipment which I will point out that he was at Mont Ventoux and Route d'Occitanie, where Mike Woods finished second and first respectively, on the same equipment, the same bike, the same helmet, the same clothes, the same everything. We're very pleased with our technical sponsors and partners. It's been problem-free throughout the season."

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