Chris Froome expects tougher race as he searches for Romandie hat-trick
A team time trial and a summit finish will give the Tour de Romandie a different dimension, according to Chris Froome, who is looking for his third consecutive win
Chris Froome is relishing the new challenges posed at the Tour de Romandie as the Team Sky man looks to win his third consecutive title in the Swiss race.
A team time trial on Tuesday’s opening stage and a summit finish on stage five are new additions to the race, which Froome won in both 2013 and 2014.
With Tour de France rivals Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintana also lining up at Romandie, Froome knows retaining his title will not be straightforward.
>>> Tour de Romandie 2015 preview
“I'm trying to approach it as a completely new, fresh challenge - especially with the route this year being different,” he told teamsky.com. “There are a few changes, like the team time trial on the first stage.
“It is a completely different race. I'm just approaching it as an event that I really want to go well in. It's a race that is always a good building block towards the Tour de France and it's one of the key races before we get there.
“It would actually be incredible if I could win Romandie for a third time in a row but for the moment I'm just looking at it as another race, and I'll take it one day at a time to get through the week.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Tour de Romandie 2015: Who will win?
The past two editions of the race have featured mountain stages, but not a summit finish, with Froome taking the win on the final stage time trial in 2014.
In 2013 the Brit lead from start to finish, but he does not expect to have such an easy run to victory this year.
“The weather looks as if it's going to play quite a big part in the race. That's something we're going to have to keep an eye on,” Froome added.
“There's actually snow forecast for Tuesday. So especially on the high mountain day weather could play a key role. We're just going to have to play that one by ear.”
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
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Cobbles to the sky: The day I conquered the mighty Gotthard Pass from both sides
As part of our summit baggers issue for CW's travel month, Tom Davidson travelled to the Swiss Alps to take on one of cycling's most unique climbs
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Is aero important when riding gravel?
While seeking aerodynamic improvement is regarded as conventional wisdom on the road, should the same apply to gravel racing?
By Andy Turner Published
-
Overachiever: Cameron Wurf competed in the Amstel Gold, La Flèche Wallonne and an Ironman, all in just eight days
Cameron Wurf is both a member of Team Ineos Grenadiers and an accomplished professional long course triathlete who has racked up numerous World Tour and Ironman race finishes across his career.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Bullying isn't allowed in other workplaces, professional sport should be no different
Comments about Julian Alaphilippe are just the latest in a long line of examples of bosses in sport going too far
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘I feel lucky to be alive’: Magnus Sheffield speaks for the first time about Gino Mäder’s fatal crash
The American describes what he saw at the Tour de Suisse, eight months after the tragedy
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tom Pidcock: Tour of Britain route 'not really ideal for me'
Brit says he wants to win home stage race, even if the course plays in Wout van Aert's favour
By Tom Davidson Published
-
This 39-year-old INEOS Grenadiers rider moonlights as a pro triathlete
A Jack of all trades, Cameron Wurf is a domestique for INEOS Grenadiers professional cycling team, but doubles as a successful pro triathlete.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers' only female rider Pauline Ferrand-Prévot eyes road return
Mountain bike legend could be back in the peloton next year
By Tom Davidson Published
-
CW Live: Chris Froome targets return to 'top level'; UCI tightens ITT rules; Strava responds to price hike criticism; Topless protesters arrested at TDU; Tributes paid to Lieuwe Westra; Scott recalls 'cracking' bikes; Toon Aerts the PE teacher
The latest news in the world of cycling
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
CW LIVE: Wout van Aert and Shirin van Anrooij win cyclo-cross in Koksijde; Rapha unveil EF Education kits; Police search for two suspects in Mark Cavendish robbery; Paris-Nice route announced; Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas to ride Tour Down Under
All the latest in the world of cycling
By Tom Davidson Last updated