Chris Froome may have narrowly missed out on winning two Grand Tours in a season by finishing second in the Vuelta a Espana on Sunday but is already dreaming of an historic double next year.
Froome wrapped up the runners-up spot at the Vuelta on a largely ceremonial stage into Madrid – finishing one minute and 23 seconds behind the victorious Nairo Quintana of Movistar with Esteban Chaves of Orica-BikeExchange taking third.
After triumphing at the Tour de France earlier this summer, the Brit was looking to become the first man for 38 years to win the Tour and the Vuelta in the same season.
It wasn’t to be for Froome – with the two minutes and 40 seconds he lost to Quintana after missing a breakaway on stage 15 ultimately proving decisive – but the Team Sky man could reflect on a truly incredible season.
“This has definitely been my most successful season to date,” he explained. “I think I can be happy with how things have gone.
“Of course I can't help but have wanted more out of this Vuelta but at the same time it's been a great race. As a team we've fought hard.
“I think we learnt a lesson on stage 15 and we weren't prepared at the beginning of the stage. Inevitably that cost us the race but I think we can still be happy with what we've achieved here.
“I definitely think [the double] is possible. I've finished second here and I won the Tour, so I came close and I'll have to be back again in the future to try again. Maybe that could be my objective for next year.”
Whether he does ultimately target a Grand Tour double is a decision to be made at a later date. For the moment, he will take some well-deserved time off to spend with his young family.
The Vuelta has once again proven a gruelling test for Froome – who also finished second at the race in both 2011 and 2014 – but he claims to have enjoyed the unique atmosphere the race offers.
"The fans are one of the reasons why I love coming to the Vuelta," Froome added. "The people make the race really special.
“The passion of the fans, and the way they cheer for all the riders, not just the Spanish riders, makes it really special and enjoyable.
“At the same time it's one of the hardest races on our calendar, but enjoyable at the same time.”
Sportsbeat 2016