BEVERLY HILLS, January 22, (THEWILL) – Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome has announced his decision to make his Israel Start-Up Nation debut in the UAE Tour at the end of next month. The British-Kenyan cyclist is making a comeback to full fitness and is currently at a warm-weather camp in California for that purpose.
Previously earmarked to make his debut in the Vuelta San Juan in Argentina, the 35-year-old was pulled from the schedule on account of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, his debut will come a month later than originally planned. This already means that UAE Tour will be a hot race.
Competition against Froome will come from fellow Brit Adam Yates. The Tour will be Yates’s first start for his new unit, the Ineos Grenadiers after leaving Mitchelton-Scott. Although Yates has Grand Tour aspirations this year, he will not be the headline act because Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar will be in the field alongside Froome.
Froome’s Israel Cycling Academy Team have expressed their pleasure with how the champion is prepping and the steady progress he has made in California. They believe there is promise for him and are excited about him making his debut.
Kjell Carlstrom, the 44-year-old Academy Team Manager and a former professional road racing cyclist himself said: “Chris has been making great progress in California, rehabilitating from his injuries. We are excited to see him racing soon.”
Cycling fans across the globe will get the opportunity to follow their favourite riders during the UAE Tour from the 21st to 27th of February. Further details of the 2021 UAE Tour teams and riders will be announced in the coming weeks, closely followed by the announcement of the race route.
There will be strict COVID-19 protocols for the safety of all riders, staff and everyone involved in the race.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
