Chris Froome 'happy just to be with favourites' on Etna as he aims for third week Giro d'Italia form
Froome survived the Giro d'Italia's first summit finish and says he's still hoping to hit form in the third week of the race
Chris Froome (Team Sky) plans to be on form for the third week of the Giro d'Italia after passing the Mount Etna stage marking his top rivals.
Simon Yates shot away for the pink jersey lead with Mitchelton-Scott team-mate Esteban Chaves, who won the stage.
Froome finished with 2017 Giro champion Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) and his other rivals despite being gapped at certain points on the 16-kilometre volcanic climb.
>>> Five talking points from stage six of the Giro d’Italia
"I was happy just to be in the main group of favourites with Tom Dumoulin and the other guys," Froome said.
"My objective is to build through this race and be at my best in the third week, and I'm still on track for that."
In the 28-man move, which had Chaves, Sky counted David de la Cruz and Sergio Henao. They dropped back to support Froome on the final climb.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"The team did a good job, we were up front and also represented in the breakaway with Sergio Henao and the guys did a good job positioning me into the final to keep me safe and up there, ready for the climb," Froome added.
"So I think all in all, I'm just happy to tick this day off and looking forward to reaching mainland Italy and carrying on with the Giro.
"I think it was a really well executed stage by Mitchelton-Scott with Chaves in the break today it put a lot of pressure on the other GC contenders to work behind, BMC especially, so congratulations to them for taking the stage win and the pink jersey today."
Sports director Dario Cioni waited for Froome at the anti-doping check after the stage. Afterwards, he was due to fly with Fabio Aru and other favourites via helicopter to Italy's mainland in the Reggio Calabria region.
"How is Chris? It was the first summit finish, so it was a question mark, but we knew he was there in the Tour of the Alps with [Domenico] Pozzovivo and [Thibaut] Pinot. We were faithful. We know that he's growing and improving, so it's fine," Cioni said.
"If he was feeling well and had a chance to attack, but the chance wasn't there. He knows how to manage it, he knows where the finish line is, so he managed it at his own pace then to follow every attack."
The next summit finish is Montevirgine on Saturday. With Yates in charge, Froome sits in eighth overall at 1-10 minutes back with the time loses from day one and four calculated in.
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.
-
Has cycling's most affordable pro bike brand just launched its aero machine?
Van Rysel set to equip Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale with new RCR-F in 2025
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Even if you ride a lot, here's why you shouldn't skip leg day at the gym
Think your legs get enough exercise? A little gym time can unlock big strength and performance gains.
By Greg Kaplan Published
-
Tom Pidcock signs for Q36.5 Pro Cycling after Ineos Grenadiers departure
Olympic MTB champion hails 'start of something special' in three-year deal
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Steve Cummings takes sports director role at Jayco AIUla after Ineos Grenadiers departure
'It’s an opportunity to be part of a culture that celebrates growth, resilience, and meaningful results' says 43-year-old after joining new team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Everybody wants to get better and get back to winning,' 20-year-old tells audience at Rouleur Live
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tension
Speaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers to partner with German development team for 2025
Ineos set to partner with German Continental squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as an official development partner
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since June
Announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I never thought I'd really leave the team': Luke Rowe opens up on his reasons for departing Ineos Grenadiers
Welsh road captain is heading to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to become a sports director
By Adam Becket Published