'His old team will be his biggest rival' - Cycling world reacts as Chris Froome will leave Team Ineos for Israel Start-Up Nation

The biggest transfer announcement in recent years

Chris Froome signing autographs on stage 16 of the Tour de France 2017 (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images)

(Image credit: AFP/Getty Images)

The rumours that Chris Froome is leaving Team Ineos have been confirmed, as the British Grand Tour star is heading to Israel Start-Up Nation next season.

Froome, four-time winner of the Tour de France, is looking to secure his position as a sole team leader, which is a guarantee Ineos aren’t willing to make.

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Alex Ballinger

Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.  Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.