Skip to main content

Chris Froome will target 2015 Tour de France

LONDON (AP) Chris Froome has said he will target next year's Tour de France after previously hinting that he might focus on other challenges.

The Team Sky rider, who won the race in 2013, had said in October when the 2015 Tour's route was revealed that he was concerned at the increased number of mountain-top finishes and a reduced number of time trials.

He added that he would consider focusing on the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana, but in an interview on Team Sky's website published Tuesday, Froome announced his focus was only on the Tour.

''At this point in my career, I feel that the Tour takes priority,'' Froome said. ''There is no doubt that this is going to be a tough test, but I enjoy the challenge and there's no reason why I would be any worse off than any of the other contenders.

''It is our responsibility as a team to adapt accordingly so that we can be as competitive as possible there. It's a climbers' Tour next year so I'm going to have to work extra hard in the mountains and spend less time on practicing time trialing. There will be new tests for me as an individual. That's what I'm looking forward to. "

Froome said that by attempting to win the yellow jersey again, he will not be taking on the Giro or the Vuelta.

''The concept of doing all three Grand Tours in a season has appeal, but having said that, I know how hard it is to do two Grand Tours while targeting the overall win,'' said the 29-year-old British cyclist. ''There may come a time, at some point down the line, where other races may take preference, but for 2015 it's the Tour.''

Froome has started his preparations for the new season in South Africa.

He plans a return to Europe in February at the Ruta del Sol in Spain.