CHRIS FROOME has been told he can create history at Israel Start-Up Nation team – and challenge Eddy Merckx as the greatest cyclist of all time
Team Ineos have decided not to renew Froome’s contract – and it is unknown if the Brit will lead the team next month in cycling’s biggest race.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Froome’s new billionaire boss Sylvan Adams laid out his ambitions for the 35-year-old cyclist ahead of the 2021 season.
Adams, an Israeli-Canadian businessman, claims the four-time Tour winner is still producing the numbers despite ending his decade-long partnership with Dave Brailsford.
Adams, 61, said: “Chris is the best cyclist of this generation.
“He’ll be vying to win a record-tying fifth Tour de France and thereafter a record-breaking sixth.
“Bringing him to us will help us make history together. The fact he was willing to come to our little start-up team is a great validation, a great honour and provides a lot of excitement.
“I think we’ll continue to make a lot of noise as we succeed with Chris.
“Two more Tour victories would bring him up to nine Grand Tours, only two short of the once unthinkably-far tally of 11 of the great Eddy Merckx.
“And it puts him in the conversation of who is the greatest cyclist of all time.
“I wouldn’t have made this investment if I didn’t believe in Chris’s capacity to win. If he loses, the press will say what a numbskull I am!”
Adams said talks started a few weeks ago but refused to reveal the details of the long-term contract.
Froome will join up with the squad – which includes Brit Alex Dowsett and Irishman Dan Martin – in an introductory training camp in Israel in December.
Adams said: “Chris is our team leader. In terms of supporting him, we’ve to bring in additional strength.
“We’ve invested in Chris to be successful. We’ll make changes. We’ll look good next year.
“Chris wanted to know the nature of the team, the management style, the equipment. He’s very precise on the details.
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – that’s Brailsford’s mantra. Incremental gains.
“We aren’t a corporation. I’m a philanthropic owner not for commercial reasons. We are a family.
“As such an experienced and decorated rider, Chris’s advice, counsel, partnership and mentoring will be valued. Chris is young in bike years as he came to the sport late.
“He feels he has a lot left in the tank and a lot to prove.
“We’ve checked out all of his data and power training files. There has been no drop-off. Chris wants to continue winning and we believe in him.
“The numbers are the same as in his prime.
“I’m curious what will happen next month. Chris is the contractual property of Ineos until the end of the year. We will see what boss Dave decides.
“We made a declaration that Chris will ride with us until his retirement.”
