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Team News: Chris Froome is 4th in the Tour of Spain

Chris Froome made it safely to the end of the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana to secure fourth place overall.

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The British rider came into the race on the back of a second place finish at the Tour de France and put in a strong showing to secure top-five finishes in back-to-back Grand Tours, a rare achievement in modern cycling.

Froome was in contention for overall victory early on but slipped back as the race wore one, eventually finishing behind the all-Spanish podium of Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank), Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha).

He was ably supported throughout the three weeks by a strong Team Sky line-up, with every rider making it to the finish bar the unfortunate Xavier Zandio who crashed out on stage 12.

Sergio Henao again proved his Grand Tour potential with a 14th place finish, while Ben Swift and Richie Porte both came agonisingly close to stage victories.

On the last day of the race into Madrid Swift came home in 19th position while John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) won his fifth stage of the race.

Chris Froome said afterwards “It’s slightly disappointing not to come away with more – obviously we had high ambitions coming here. But having said that I’m not disappointed with how we rode and how I rode. I know I gave it everything and I know the team did a fantastic job to look after me and support me. In that sense there’s no disappointment at all.”

“It’s been a huge learning process. I think there’s so much we can take away from this race. Personally I now know where my limits are in terms of doing two Grand Tours back to back. I know a lot more about the competition that wasn’t at the Tour de France this year and will be at future editions and races next year. For me it’s been the first time leading the team and being in a position where I need to tell the guys around me what I need to get me though the race as best as possible.

“I’m in long need of a rest now! I’ll definitely put the feet up for a few days and, if I can come around in time, go to the World Championships road race. The main emphasis now for the next few days will just be switching off and relaxing.”

Stage 21 – Cercedilla to Madrid, 115km

STAGE RESULT
1. John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) 4:51.05
2. Elia Viviani (Liquigas-Cannondale) +0″
3. Daniele Bennati (RadioShack-Nissan) +0″

OVERALL STANDINGS
1. Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) 84:59.49
2. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) +1:16″
3. Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) +1:37″

 

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Tags: Team News, Tour of Spain

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