No Chris Froome at Tour de France 2023 as Israel – Premier Tech leave out 'disappointed' four-time winner

Chris Froome won't get the chance to fulfil his «ultimate goal» of appearing at the 2023 Tour de France after the four-time winner was left out of his Israel – Premier Tech team. Froome recently said riding the Tour was his main objective of 2023, and declared his ambition to try and win a stage after going close on Alpe d'Huez last year.

Ad His third place on Stage 12 was his best Tour de France stage finish since 2018, after the Brit fought back from serious injury incurred during a high-speed crash in 2019. Tour de FranceFroome targets Tour de France stage win, says the race is his 'ultimate goal'21/06/2023 AT 08:41 Froome had been aiming to push himself further this year and, having overcome a tendon problem, he trained at a pre-Tour altitude camp in a bid to get himself in the best possible condition for another appearance at the famous race.

Speaking to GCN about his omission, Froome said: "’I'm obviously disappointed with the decision. The Tour de France holds an incredibly special place in my heart.

“Physically I was ready, but unfortunately I was unable to show my full ability at the races assigned to me due to equipment issues." Mechanical issues have certainly interrupted Froome's progress this season, with the 38-year-old unable to finish with the leaders on the mountain stage of his last race at La Route d'Occitane. And while at the CIC — Mont Ventoux, he was forced to change bikes several times.

Despite his disappointment, Froome shows no sign of giving up on the sport and has pledged to bounce back. “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.” Evenepoel admits going 'over my limit' as crash hands Van