Where next for Chris Froome?

Where next for Chris Froome?

British cyclist Chris Froome is rumoured to be in discussions over a mid-season transfer away from Team Ineos, as he sets his sights on winning a fifth Tour de France.

A mid-season transfer- a rarity in cycling- could see Froome change teams for the first time in a decade as he attempts to achieve a joint record of five Tour de France overall victories.

The Kenyan born rider faces stiff competition to lead Team Ineos in the French race. Both the 2018 and 2019 Tour winners, Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal, will also be vying for the team’s number one spot.

Froome’s prospects of leading the team appeared to have taken a hit earlier in May when Bernal announced that he would not sacrifice his own chances for a teammate if his condition is at one hundred percent.

Questions remain over Froome’s ability to compete at the highest level after last year’s life threatening Criterium du Dauphine crash. It is therefore likely that Team Ineos see the young Colombian and the experienced Thomas as their best prospects for continuing the team’s Tour domination.

The grass isn’t always greener as they say, though. If Froome does choose to move away it will have to be the right move if it is to pay off with that fabled fifth Tour de France victory.

With that in mind, here are the teams that may be interested in Froome and the chances of a move materialising.

Israel Start-Up Nation

One of the newest pro-teams. They have already acquired an impressive roster headed by the experienced Dan Martin.

Well-funded and keen to make positive strides, a move for Chris Froome would not be surprising and he would be assured sole leadership at the Tour de France.

The team did not deny that they are interested in the rider merely commenting that they, ‘respect Chris Froome as a rider and as a person, and of course his accomplishments speak for themselves’.

A rider does not win a grand tour alone, however, and the main question is whether the team has enough strength in depth to support a Tour de France victory. It is the factor that may put Froome off such a move.

Movistar

Strong rumours accumulated when experienced Movistar rider Jose Joaquin Rojas tweeted Froome: ‘friend, you know that in Spain we have great food and you will have great support.’

The Spanish team were quick to close down the rumours, dispelling any possibility that the move could happen in 2020.

That does not mean it couldn’t happen at the end of the season, though, and Movistar have the grand tour credentials to lure Froome away.

Second to Team Ineos for grand tour victories in the last 6 years, they have the know-how. A strong team would also provide the support required.

However, questions have been raised about the tactical approach of Movistar. The experience of Froome could prove valuable in this aspect.

One of Team Ineos’ main rivals, the move would be a major one. One Froome would not shy from taking.

Bahrain-McLaren

Rod Ellingworth made the move away from Team Ineos after a decade this year to take the reins at Bahrain-McLaren.

One of the team’s founding members, Ellingworths loss cannot be underestimated. It may also have the consequence of luring some of Team Ineos’ prime assets away. Namely Chris Froome.

Such a move would be harsh on Spanish rider Mikel Landa who also joined the team this year in the belief he would be sole leader at the Tour de France. He has resiliently rebuffed any suggestions Froome could join the team.

Ellingworth suggested otherwise admitting that he held conversations with Froome, although a move this year seems unlikely.

Don’t be surprised if Froome makes the move in 2021, though.

Maybe?

UAE Team Emirates also have strong financial backing. They also boast a strong team. Maybe too strong to accommodate Froome.

The young Slovenian Tadej Pogacar has emerged as a grand tour contender at only 21. With Italian Fabio Aru also in their armoury, finding space for Froome may prove too difficult.

The same can be said for Trek Segafredo, who boast an impressive three-pronged attack of Vincenzo Nibali, Bauke Mollema and Richie Porte. All in their 30s, it may not be wise to add more age to an already aging squad.

Team Sunweb recently lost the consistent podium finisher Tom Dumoulin leaving a void in their squad. Every team needs a grand tour rider and Sunweb noticeably lack one. However, the Dutch team appear to have nailed their hopes for the season on one day races, making the move unlikely.

No Chance

One team Froome definitely won’t be moving to is Team Jumbo Visma. Emerging out of the shadows in recent years, the Dutch team boast a formidable line-up.

So much so that some now consider them stronger than Team Ineos. They’ll need to back this up with performances, but having already confirmed that they will attack the Tour de France with Dumoulin, Primoz Roglic and Steven Kruijswijk as joint leaders, Ineos will be wary.

Maybe this is the defining factor in this Chris Froome saga. Facing the strongest rival since the team was formed, Team Ineos will need as much strength in depth as possible.

Letting Froome leave would be contrary to this.

A Froome move this year is therefore unlikely but come 2021 expect to see the Englishman racing in different colours.

We hope you enjoyed the article ‘Where next for Chris Froome?’ Do you see Chris Froome moving away from Team Ineos this year? If so, where to? Let us know!

Fancy writing for us: Apply to become a Sports Writer at the Sporting Ferret

If you liked this article why not check out:

• The Greatest Free-kick takers of All Time
• The Strangest Goals Ever Scored
• Grassroots Football: When will we return?
• COVID 19: The Impact On Our Local Non-League Football Clubs