Chris Froome reacts to Brian Cookson's comments about riding Tour Down Under
Chris Froome says he is puzzled that UCI president Brian Cookson thinks he would start his season as early as the Tour Down Under

Chris Froome wonders why people think he would start his season with the Tour Down Under, having not raced there for six years.
The Team Sky leader lands in Adelaide on Monday, the day after the Australian race finishes, causing UCI president Brian Cookson to wonder why Froome didn't ride the race.
Froome will start his season at the Sun Herald Tour in February after a block of training with Sky coach Tim Kerrison in Australia.
Since racing the Tour Down Under in 2010, Froome has not started his season in January, preferring instead to wait until early February before pinning on a race number.
“It’s an odd decision by Team Sky I have to say,” Cookson said of Froome's absence from the race, despite coming to Australia.
“It’s not a helpful decision but one understands why these teams sometimes make these decisions. Performance criteria will always overrule other criteria in certain teams and certain cases. It’s a long season and riders need to prepare in the best way, but certainly that was a puzzling decision to me."
Thank you for reading 10 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.
-
-
Ergon SR Allroad Core Comp Men Review - a gravel saddle that smooths rough roads
An affordable, comfortable saddle offered in two different widths
By Tyler Boucher • Published
-
Georg Zimmermann exorcises demons as he takes win on Critérium du Dauphiné stage six
Jonas Vingegaard thwarted as he tries to steal some seconds on his GC rivals
By Vern Pitt • 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
-
Brian Cookson says British Cycling has been ‘damaged’ by outsiders with ‘no real knowledge’ of cycling
Former president of UK cycling governing body says current leadership has ‘no empathy’ with people who ‘make cycling happen’
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tweets of the week: Chris Froome has GoPro problems, and Geraint Thomas grits roads
It might be cold outside, but these hot posts should keep you warm
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Brian Cookson says more 'heads must roll' at British Cycling as CEO leaves
Former UCI and British Cycling president says BC chair needs to take some responsibility for ‘unfortunate controversies’ in 2022
By Tom Thewlis • Last updated
-
Symptomatic Chris Froome signed on for Tour de France stage start while awaiting PCR test result
The four-time winner was encouraged to sign on by the race organiser and withdrew from the race minutes after
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Israel-Premier Tech unveils limited edition Tour de France kit
Team launches ‘Field of dreams’ campaign to help kids in Rwanda
By Tom Thewlis • Last updated
-
After injuries that meant he had to learn to walk again, Froome says fans need to manage expectations
The Israel-Premier Tech rider is cycling pain-free for the first time since his 2019 crash at the Critérium du Dauphiné, something he says people should remember
By Ryan Dabbs • Published