'It was great to have that feeling': Chris Froome enjoying being back on time trial form at the Tour de France
Froome looked much stronger in the opening time of Tour de France than he has done in previous races against the clock this season
Chris Froome (Sky) recognises that his time trial riding this year was below normal standards but says that it was great to have the good feelings back again in Saturday's opening Tour de France stage in Düsseldorf.
Sky team-mate Geraint Thomas won the 14-kilometre stage on the rain-soaked roads. Froome clocked a time 12 seconds slower for sixth, but went faster than all of his classification rivals.
>>> Five talking points from stage one of Tour de France 2017
"I went really cautiously around a lot of those corners, I really went in with the mentality of not to take risks," Froome said.
"Seeing is how a lot of guys hit the deck today, it wasn't worth it, but on the strait bits I felt was able to push quite hard.
"It was great to have that feeling especially given that my time trailing this year hasn't been up to my normal standards. But we can take a lot away from that as a team to have four guys in the top-10. It shows the strength of the team we have here."
Former time trial world champion Vasil Kiryienka placed third and Michal Kwiatkowski finished eighth.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Froome's concerns were validated when he saw Nairo Quintana's team-mate Alejandro Valverde crash. He failed to finish the race and with injuries, will have surgery in Düsseldorf before travelling home.
"I think if you told me at the beginning of today that this is what the GC would look like after the stage," continued Froome, "I would've definitely accepted that that and been happy to take that."
Froome's closest GC rival is Simon Yates (Orica-Scott) at 25 seconds. Richie Porte (BMC Racing) placed 35 seconds back.
Nairo Quintana (Movistar) came in 37 seconds slower. The rest, including Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo), Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale), Dan Martin (Quick-Step) and Fabio Aru (Astana) navigated Düsseldorf's streets slower, but all finished within seven seconds of Porte's time.
Some questioned Froome's form given in the Critérium du Dauphiné time trial of 23.5 kilometres, he lost 37 seconds to stage winner Porte and finished behind Contador, who he normally beats.
The result boosts his mood, especially considering his long-time helper Thomas succeed. The Welshman helped Froome to his first three Tour titles in 2013, 2015 and 2016.
"I'm just absolutely so happy for G to have won his first stage in the Tour de France and to be in the yellow jersey as well. It's just incredible," added Froome.
"I can remember my first time and it's such a special moment. I think it's something G will remember for the rest of his life.
"For us going forward as a team, it's going to lift everyone's morale for the next few days. It's going to mean we are going to have to be on the front protecting that yellow jersey, and it's not a bad place to be given all the road furniture, cross-winds and potential of rain as well.
"We have the team to ride on the front, so I'm looking forward to these next few days."
The Tour de France enters Belgium on stage two to Liège and its home country with stage three to Longwy, a small uphill finish.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
Introducing the start-up that helps cyclists find local mechanics and get a 'better service'
'We want to support the majority of the smaller, independent chains that are out there,' says Bikebook founder
By Tom Davidson Published
-
What pressure are you running? Three different pressure monitoring systems, put to the test
Real-time pressure sensors allow you to test your own tire pressures to go faster, be more comfortable, and get fewer flats
By Tyler Boucher Published
-
Giro d'Italia 2024 start list: Geraint Thomas to lead 'aggressive' Ineos Grenadiers
All the teams and riders for the 107th Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket Published
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers delighted with Egan Bernal’s late cameo on stage one of Paris-Nice
Colombian snapped up key bonus seconds in the general classification battle on run in to Les Mureaux
By Tom Thewlis Published