Chris Froome continues to fight his way to recovery by being back on the track at the mountainous Israel-Premier tech. Since his return from the 2019 crash, this has been his best performance. The former four-time champion of the Tour de France had a long road to recovery ever since his 37mph crash which landed him in the intensive care unit. While describing the details of what he had to go through to be on the bike again, he said:
The first step is learning to walk again, then it was getting onto a bike and riding a bike again. Then it’s maybe trying to get back to being in a racing peloton. Now it’s trying to take that next step to become more competitive at this level and that’s where I’m at currently
Froome wants everyone to understand what he has been through and to ask for their trust to be put in his recovery. He made a promising comeback at the Classic Alpes-Maritimes. He stood 11th for which he was cheered by many. Furthermore, he celebrated this achievement gleefully. His eyes were shining with happiness as he commented:
This is the first time, really, in the last three years that I’ve been fully niggle-free, issue free. I haven’t had any pain, I haven’t had any discomfort, the left-right leg balance is in place.
The miraculous recovery of this British cyclist is due to his consistent hard work and dedication:
Basically, it’s just been an uninterrupted period since January until now of being able to work consistently and move things in the right direction. I’m seeing the results of that
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The 37-year-old is currently racing at Critérium du Dauphiné, the same race in which he crashed badly in 2019. Nonetheless, the horrors from the past have fallen short in stopping him from performing his best. He suffered a broken femur and broken ribs, amongst other injuries. The painful memory could be seen on his face as he recalled:
At this race three years ago,I almost lost my life. I couldn’t straighten my leg or put weight on my leg for the best part of four or five months. That was a huge rehabilitation. I broke my leg in two places. To come back from something like that isn’t guaranteed. It’s a step-by-step process.
Froome made a switch in 2021 and left Ineos Grenadiers to join Israel-Premier Tech. The team has been very patient with Froome and supported him in his recovery. They have been supportive of him in every way, and the rider acknowledges it also. He seems quite content with his decision to switch. He says the encouragement that he has received from the team is praiseworthy.
I’m not going to set myself a limit, and say ‘that’s my level, that’s where I’m going to get to’. I’m just going to keep working as hard as I can, keep moving things in the right redirection. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have the support of my team. Israel-Premier Tech have been extremely patient with me, supportive of everything, so I’m very fortunate to be in this position.
Chris will be a part of the race at the Mont Ventoux. He is looking forward to proving with his performance that he deserves a spot on the team for the Tour de France. He has set no limit to himself without underemphasizing any expectations. He explained:
It’s understandable that people have got these expectations given what I’ve achieved in my career, but, at the same time, I think people need to remember where I’m coming from, these last three years, is a completely different place
While Chris Froome fights tooth and nail to make a comeback, is it yet safe to surmise if he can return to his former self who won seven titles of Grand tours? He will be answering that question with his future performances.
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Featured Image Via YouTube/ Cycling Pro Net
