Cycling: The rumor has been circulating for a few days that Chris Froome could leave the British team Ineos this year. Now he's fueling speculation himself.
Froome wants to take new steps
Just a few days ago, the rumor seemed absurd that Chris Froome will change his team later this year. But after even the teams Ineos and Movistar have commented on it, there is growing suspicion that there could be something to the speculation. Now the Brit himself has taken a stand against the Gazzetta dello Sport – and this is anything but clear.
Chris Froome:
"I have to take many aspects into account, I'm fully involved in this process now. I will take new steps in the coming weeks and months. I hope to have a clearer picture of my future by then. Then all discussions will be over and we will know where we stand.”
Movistar denies interest
Immediately after the first rumors about a possible change of the four-time tour winner made the rounds, an Ineos employee is said to have commented on the Gazzetta dello Sport: With the words "No, he stays with us" at least an early change seems to be off the table . The Spanish side Movistar have also denied being interested in Chris Froome signing immediately. It should be exciting on the transfer market - also because of the corona virus - after this season anyway. Chris Froome's contract expires at the end of 2020. And that would give the Brit a free choice of team anyway...
Comeback after a bad fall
The urgency for Chris Froome's move is that he no longer has a clear captaincy in his current side Ineos. After teammate Geraint Thomas won the Tour of France in 2018, Egan Bernal was enthroned at the top in 2019. Now the reigning Giro winner Richard Carapaz has also joined the team. Things are getting tight for 34-year-old Chris Froome. To make matters worse, after his heavy fall had to get back into top form at the Critérium du Dauphiné almost a year ago. The Brit contested the entire second half of the season not a single race more.
Epic ride today! After two months of indoor training I'm happier than a 🐷 in 💩😆 #cycling pic.twitter.com/1i8uHibn4N
- Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) May 14, 2020