No gloom for Froome
I’m as motivated as ever, says champion
TOUR de France champion Chris Froome has sounded an ominous warning to those who question his reign, declaring he is as fresh and hungry as he has ever been.
Froome’s so-far winless 2017 has given his rivals a sniff of blood, but the Team Sky leader, flanked by one of the strongest teams in the race, yesterday cut a steely glare as he hunts a fourth Tour crown.
Looking lean, Froome insisted he was “exactly where I need to be” for the Tour.
“The hunger definitely hasn’t got any less for me. I’m as motivated as ever given I’ve got so much more to race for now,” Froome said.
“I’d like to think I’m coming into the Tour fresher than I’ve ever been before. Certainly if the numbers in training and feelings on the bike are anything to go by then I’m ready for the next three weeks.
“This is potentially a fourth Tour de France title that I’m here to try and get. It’s massive. The challenge is even bigger this year and I feel the level of my rivals is even higher.
“If the Dauphine is anything to go by then Richie Porte, in terms of form and condition, is going to be the man to beat.”
Yet Froome’s “form and condition” disclaimer concerning Porte is pointed, with the decorated Brit again taking the opportunity to put the Tasmanian’s lack of leadership experience and Grand Tour success in the headlights.
While Froome has struggled to find his mojo, Porte has impressed with a collection of dominant rides. But Froome suggested winning the Tour took more than strong legs.
“I think it’s definitely an advantage having been in this position for a few years now in the sense that it doesn’t feel like such a burden anymore,” Froome said. “I think the first year I was here answering these questions it was quite daunting and I really felt the pressure. Whereas now I don’t feel the same in that sense; I feel like I’m able to focus on the race a lot more now.”
But Froome could have his own distractions, with his press conference beside teammates and Team Sky boss David Brailsford plagued by doping questions. A probe by UK AntiDoping into wrongdoings at the team is continuing.