Chris Froome is the favourite for the Tour de France, says Alberto Contador

Tinkoff Saxo leader Alberto Contador says Team Sky rival Chris Froome is one of the best climbers in the peloton

Chris Froome and Alberto Contador on stage nineeen of the 2014 Tour of Spain

(Image credit: Watson)

Chris Froome will be one of the favourites for the 2015 Tour de France, according to his General Classification rival Alberto Contador.

In an interview with the BBC’s Matt Slater, the Vuelta a Espana champion dismissed claims that next year’s Tour route would not favour the Team Sky leader.

>>> Tour de France 2015 route revealed

With Froome speculating that he may skip the Tour when the route was announced in October, Contador admits the spectacle of the Grand Boucle is somewhat diminished if the big names aren’t present.

“It's crucial for the sport that the strongest riders race against each other in the best races,” said Contador. “I think the Tour lost a little when Froome and me crashed.

>>> Chris Froome: Tour de France will be my main target in 2015

“Some people have said (next year's route) isn't for Froome because there's no long time trial and it's more for the climbers.

“But Froome isn't a climber? Of course he is a climber. He was the best climber in 2013 and I still think he's the favourite for next year.”

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.