Froome facing uphill struggle to return to top form

Froome opened up about his return to racing in 2021, admitting that he has 'a long way to go' to get back to race form in 2021.

Chris Froome in action on the Stage 2 time trial at the UAE Tour. Source: Getty

Froome is at the UAE Tour, where he has been largely anonymous with his performances, missing the decisive split on Stage 1, finishing 84th in the time trial and 40th on the summit finish on Jabel Hafeet.

"I’ve definitely found it hard coming back to racing after winter," Froome said.

"I spent a lot of time focusing on the off-bike aspect, completing my rehab, but I’ve obviously got a long way to go still in terms of race condition and getting ready for the season."

"The first day of racing has shaken up this UAE Tour, with a very select group going clear with such big time gap," Froome said. "A few teams missed out, and we were, unfortunately, one of those teams not represented up front. Now we’ve got to continue to race as best we can and look for stage wins with Andre Greipel, and use the climbing days for races coming up."

"I am in no real pain now. I get a little discomfort when I sleep on my right side and some burning from where I had a plate inserted but it doesn’t affect me on the bike. All the gym and rehab work is translating to power on the bike," he said.

Froome, 35, insisted there was plenty of time for success left in his career.

"We’re learning more and more about our bodies and I certainly believe it’s more to do with mindset in your late 30s," said Froome.

"It is going to be a huge ask but, with four titles, I’ve come so close to the record of five. There’s nothing holding me back any more so I’d love to give it my best shot and win a fifth. A lot of it is mind over matter so I hope the body will follow."