'A tough race for me' - Chris Froome reflects on his overall performance at La Vuelta

Chris Froome (Israel-Premier Tech) says La Vuelta had been a «tough race» for him but believes being at the Grand Tour has been beneficial. After showing promise at this year's Tour de France, particularly with a third place finish on Alpe d'Huez, Froome's stock has sunk again after a quiet three weeks at La Vuelta.

Ad Froome has previously admitted his preparations for the Grand Tour were derailed by «quite bad» Covid symptoms, but he says he was glad to be competing. Vuelta a España'Win all three' – Evenepoel already dreaming of Tour and Giro gloryAN HOUR AGO «I have good feelings [about the Vuelta],» he said after Sunday's final stage.

«It’s been a tough race for me personally. Since I’ve had Covid I haven't been feeling the same, but having said that I’m happy to have been here at the Vuelta.

»To get another Grand Tour in the legs I think will help me going forward, and [help me to] start next season fresh and with new energy and new motivation." Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) sealed his maiden Grand Tour title on Sunday and Froome says that the 22-year-old fully deserved the victory. Evenepoel wins Vuelta as Molano springs surprise on final stage Van Vleuten seals overall victory at La Madrid Challenge as Balsamo wins final stage He added: «He has been very impressive.

I had a few doubts towards the end of the second week — he showed a few signs of weakness, but he’s held on really well in the last few days. »Chapeau, he deserves the victory and I look forward to seeing what comes next for him." Speaking on The Breakaway, Adam Blythe believes the four-time Tour de France champion should focus on picking up stage wins in future Grand Tours and not be too concerned by the general classification standings.