British rider still learning about his capabilities
Chris Froome finished a strong second in this year’s Vuelta a España, behind Juan José Cobo. Initially tasked to help his Sky teammate Bradley Wiggins, it became apparent that Froome was a tad better than Wiggins towards the end of the three-week race. He moved forward on the Angliru and rode more strongly there, ending the day second overall and defending that position to Madrid.
He ended the Grand Tour just thirteen seconds behind the Spanish victor Juan Jose Cobo (Geox TMC).
Looking towards the future, he said that his experience of riding all three Grand Tours has made him decide which ones to concentrate on henceforth.
“To me, the Giro is the hardest of the three, without a doubt,” he told Desde La Cuneta. “But I have to say that my favourite is the Vuelta,” he explained. “I think I will concentrate on the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España.”
In the latter race he obtained his best ever memory. “It was the win in Peña Cabarga, stage 17 [of the Vuelta], just because it is the most important I have ever achieved,” he said. In contrast, he’s also clear on what has been his biggest disappointment. “Having to quit the Giro d’Italia last year was my most difficult moment in my career so far.”
After being chased by multiple teams for next season, the Kenyan-born Briton finally opted to sign a new three year deal with Team Sky last month. He may find himself riding support for Bradley Wiggins in next year’s Tour de France, but could well end up being team leader in the Vuelta a España. Longer term, if he keeps progressing, it’s feasible to think that he could end up leading a team in the Tour at some point in the next two or three years.
Froome doesn’t know yet what his absolutely specialty is, but one thing is certain for him. “I am not a sprinter, that’s for sure,” he said, “even though I chased the time bonuses in the last few days [of the Vuelta], in order to try to win the overall.”
With his success in Spain there is little doubt where his career will take him. “If all goes well I will be riding the GC’s in the Grand Tours. It is not something easy, but it is something I would like to do,” he said.