Chris Froome insists his main priority for 2015 will be getting his hands back on the Tour de France yellow jersey.
Froome was unable to defend his 2013 Tour de France title this year after withdrawing during the fifth stage following a series of crashes which caused hand and wrist fractures.
Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali went on to claim victory however Froome returned to fitness in time to finish second behind Spain’s Alberto Contador at the Vuelta in August.
And as he targets the Ruta del Sol on February 18 for his first race of the new year, Froome admits his sights are well and truly set on another assault on the Tour de France in 2015.
“I've enjoyed my time off, and now I am concentrating on preparing myself mentally and physically for the season ahead,” Froome said on his personal website.
“I’ve started training in the warm weather in South Africa where I have been able to get some decent miles in on the bike.
“Of course, together with the team, we’ve had to prioritise some events over others, but the Tour will remain my main focus for 2015.
“The concept of doing all three Grand Tours in a season has got appeal but having said that, I know how hard it is to do two Grand Tours while targeting the overall win.
“At this point in my career I feel that the Tour takes priority. There may come a time at some point down the line where other races may take preference, but for 2015, it’s the Tour.
“There is no doubt that this Tour de France is going to be a tough test, but I enjoy the challenge and there’s no reason why I would be any worse off than any of the other contenders. It is our responsibility as a team to adapt accordingly so that we can be as competitive as possible there.
“It’s a climbers Tour next year so I’m going to have to work extra hard in the mountains and spend less time on practising time trialling. It’s also going to be important to be as light as possible so our nutrition will play a key role. There will be new tests for me as an individual, that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
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