Chris Froome is a ‘definite contender’ to win a stage at La Vuelta 2022, claims Robbie McEwen

Chris Froome (Israel-Premier Tech) is a “definite contender” to win a stage at La Vuelta after his starring role on Alpe d’Huez at the Tour de France in July, according to Eurosport expert Robbie McEwen. Froome produced his best performance since his horror crash in 2019 as he finished third behind Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) and Louis Meintjes (Intermarche–Wanty–Gobert Materiaux) on Stage 12 at the Tour. Ad He was tipped to push on and contend for a stage victory in France, but Covid saw him leave the race early with his focus shifting to the Vuelta.

Vuelta a EspañaYates, Froome and the other Brits hoping to light up La Vuelta19 HOURS AGO With Israel-Premier Tech unlikely to have visions of winning the red jersey, Froome and team-mate Michael Woods should have plenty of backing to pursue stage wins. IPT secured two stage wins at the Tour as Simon Clarke win on the cobblestones on Stage 5 before Hugo Houle took victory on Stage 16, to add to podiums from Froome and Woods. Although McEwen admits Froome and Woods are not GC contenders in Spain, the Australian says both can challenge for a stage win.

“Neither of them GC contenders. Woods had a really good Tour, he nearly won a stage but his team-mate was in front of him [Houle, on Stage 16]. I think his best plan would be to ride conservatively and pick out days and on the days he feels really good go for a stage win.

“I would say same goes for Chris Froome. He's not a GC contender. But after his third place on the Alpe d'Huez, he's a definite contender to win a stage.