Chris Froome: I’ll return to the Tour de France in 2024

Chris Froome has given his first reaction to GCN following the news of his non-selection for the Tour de France with the 38-year-old vowing to return to the race in 2024.The four-time Tour winner was left out of Israel-Premier Tech’s eight-rider roster when the team was announced on Friday morning.

The team will hunt stages with the likes of Simon Clarke, Dylan Teuns and Michael Woods. Froome, who has battled several mechanical and health issues this season, was hopeful of making the Tour team for July with the aim of once more trying to win a stage. While his results have not improved in recent months, his non-selection is still major news given his former pedigree and experience.

GCN understands that Froome was notified of his non-selection earlier this week. Since then he has travelled to Israel in order to help the team with promotional work.

In a statement given exclusively to GCN following Friday’s news, Froome said: “I’m obviously disappointed with the decision. The Tour de France holds an incredibly special place in my heart.”

Froome’s last race came at La Route d'Occitanie last week. The event was won by Michael Woods with Froome providing cover for his teammate throughout the final stage. The British rider was unable to finish with the leaders on the main mountain stage, with reports that there were issues with his bike set-up.

At the CIC - Mont Ventoux earlier this month the veteran rider was forced to change bikes several times due to mechanical issues, and he believes that the run of bad luck with his bike affected his chances of demonstrating his true form.“Physically I was ready, but unfortunately I was unable to show my full ability at the races assigned to me due to equipment issues,” he told GCN.

While there has been growing speculation that Froome could retire at the end of the year, the fact remains that he still has two years left on his current contract. While the Tour de France news is certainly a blow for the 38-year-old, he has no intention of hanging up his wheels just yet. “I respect the team’s decision and will take some time before refocusing on objectives later in the season and returning to the Tour de France in 2024.”

GCN+ joined Chris Froome at the Tour du Rwanda earlier this year for a new documentary charting his return to race in Africa for the first time in 14 years.

Froome: Back in Africa is now available for GCN+ subscribers to watch on the app.