Chris Froome is on his way up after a crash in the Tour of Romandy put his Giro d'Italia participation in doubt. Yesterday, the 24-year-old of Team Sky formed part of a day-long escape in the stage to Monte Terminillo.
The escape is a move in the right direction for Froome, who not only crashed in Romandy, but also fell sick during the classics. Now, he hopes to continue helping team leader Bradley Wiggins as the race makes its way to the high mountains.
"To be honest, I had a tough time coming into the Giro, I got sick just before the classics and then I got sick again after them. The crash also compromised my training quite a bit," Froome told Cycling Weekly.
"But, no matter what form I had coming into this Giro, I came here to do a job. I can definitely feel my form is improving."
His form has improved enough that Sky's sports director, Sean Yates, sent Froome in an escape group yesterday. Froome and team-mate Steve Cummings formed part of a 17-man group, with eventual stage winner Chris Anker Sørensen.
Froome crashed during the Tour of Romandy
Sørensen attacked from the escape with 10 kilometres to race. Froome and Cummings drifted back to Wiggins' group, but it was a positive day for Froome.
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"It was quite evident during the race that Astana would let a move go to the finish if there was not a GC rider in it. It was important to have someone there so we would not be on the back foot, chasing.
"There were a lot of attacks for me and Steve to cover. For both of us to be there in the end, it was perfect."
Wiggins and Sky are at the Giro d'Italia to win, but above all to prepare for the Tour de France. The high mountains of the third week will be the ultimate test for Wiggins ahead of the Tour de France, and Froome feels ready.
"I have a little issue with my right knee, there is something pulling on one of the tendons, but, apart from that, I am on the up. I hope I will be able to be there on the climbs to support the likes of Brad and Dario [Cioni]."
Depending on his performance, Froome may have a chance to race his second Tour de France. The nine-man team will be selected in June. Froome previously raced the Tour de France in 2008.
Related links
Giro d'Italia 2010: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
2010 Giro d'Italia coverage in association with Zipvit
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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
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