Two-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome hopes the Abu Dhabi Tour continues to be held in the future and that he can compete in it in upcoming editions.
The British star rider did not join his Sky team-mates in the inaugural instalment of the race – which concluded on Sunday – due to an injury but was in Abu Dhabi for the UCI Gala Awards night at the Du Forum after the final stage of the competition.
“I think it’s been a great race from what I can see. I didn’t ride it but speaking to my team-mates, it’s been a tough event, I know the heat has certainly been a factor. But everyone says the roads have been great, they’ve been received very well by the people in Abu Dhabi and yeah, I hope it’s a race that can continue into the future,” said Froome.
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Asked if he’d consider competing here next year, Froome said: “I considered coming here this year but unfortunately because of the injury I picked up at the Vuelta a Espana, it wasn’t going to be possible.”
Froome crashed out of the Vuelta a Espana’s stage 11 last month and fractured his foot and the Kenyan-born Brit says he only got back on the bike three days ago.
While he remains tight-lipped about his plans for next season, he says his motivation is sky-high.
“I’ve literally only just started back on the bike the last few days. I did three hours I think two days ago and that was about it. Easing back into it. A couple of little rides,” Froome said Sunday night. “The injury in the Vuelta has given me that extra little bit of motivation to get back into the season and get back to where I was.”
Meanwhile, UCI world No1 Alejandro Valverde hailed the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Tour organisers – RCS Sports and Events and Abu Dhabi Sports Council – for putting together an impressive race.
“I think it was very well-organised. I believe the Dubai Tour served as a great learning experience for the organisers and Abu Dhabi was an improved version it, and I believe Dubai next year will be just as impressive. I’m happy to race in the UAE, I really like it. I hope I can come back next year,” said the Spaniard.