Chris Froome was the talk of the UAE Tour heading into the opening race of the 2021 UCI WorldTour. Photo: Supplied
Chris Froome was the talk of the UAE Tour heading into the opening race of the 2021 UCI WorldTour.
However, after just three stages, the four-time Tour de France winner has been rendered a footnote as his battle to regain peak fitness remains a work in progress.
It’s been a rude awakening for the Kenya-born 35-year-old who is making his Israel Start-Up Nation debut this week.
After being caught out in the crosswinds on stage one, Froome crossed the line in 84th place, finishing in the main peloton some 8:29 behind winner Mathieu van der Poel.
Things didn’t get any easier in stage two’s 13km individual time-trial where Froome placed 83rd, 1:36 behind Italian world champion Filippo Ganna.
Froome showed glimpses of his former prowess in stage three’s summit of Jebel Hafeet, but still crossed the line five minutes behind red jersey wearer Tadej Pogacar in 40th place.
Froome admitted he still has a long way to go before he’s back to his best.
“I’ve definitely found it hard coming back to racing after winter.
“I spent a lot of time focusing on the off-bike aspect, completing my rehab, but I’ve obviously got a long way to go still in terms of race condition and getting ready for the season,” Froome confessed.
