The 36-year-old is never too late to try again. As much as they can weigh their legs and the efforts have to be multiplied, goodwill and daily work help to have tangible ingredients to see the glass half full again. Chris Froome suffered in 2019 a very hard fall that still carries tail. The was lost Tour of that year and did not compete in the next, apart from all the physical sequels that have appeared. With an enviable track record that has four editions of the French round, a couple of the Return and one Tour of Italy, some would close the stall. Not the British, stubborn and romantic at the same time. “My goals have not changed, I want to return to the highest level.” Firm declaration of intent. To write a point and apart, he decided to change teams to become the star signing of Israel Start-Up Nation, which has bravely strengthened to become a world reference.
Alessandro de Marchi, Carl Fedrik Hagen, Daryl Impey and Michael Woods, among others, also support a powerful structure, which looks up without wrinkling. A team that has located its European logistics center in Girona. City that during these days has become the headquarters of the first rally of this 2021. Without Froome, which is recovering in California hoping to compete again soon, but with the rest of its own prominent names. Between them, And Martin. An Irishman who has always declared himself one “In love” with Girona and also with Catalonia.
It had already become a kind of tradition for a first contact in Israel but the pandemic, which has wreaked havoc everywhere, has disrupted initial plans. The logistics managers made it clear very quickly. Girona was “the logical location”, according to sources from the team itself. Because of the team’s relationship, as well as the bond that some of its cyclists maintain. Martin himself, who lives there, as well as others who usually come to train there. It was presented like this, and for a dozen days since last January 12, the first opportunity for the runners to meet and make pineapple. Workouts, talks and hang out. All sum. There are up to nine new faces, so cohesion is vital in circumstances like this. Froome, in California working on his own to recover sensations, has also been present virtually, participating in group meetings and gatherings. “Israel is always the best place for our training campus, but given the circumstances, Girona has been our natural choice», Explains the team director, Kjell Carlstrom. Strict sanitary measures have been present every day. For example, cyclists have been divided into three working groups. The first brought together those cyclists focused on the general classifications. Another, by one-day testing specialists. And the third, for the sprinters.
The plan is drawn and the Israel Start-Up Nation will start engines in the Challenge Mallorca, which will be held from 28 to 31 of the same month. It will be a starting point, the beginning of the preparation, already in competition. Some of its cyclists will travel directly from their stay in Girona. Later, Froome will start, who nevertheless plans to run the Volta Catalunya to prepare for the Tour. “Age is a state of mind. I think that winning again is possible and I would like to prove it. That’s not how I wanted to end my sporting career. I have four tours and I want five, because I’m not done yet. Words from the British. From home. Girona will receive it later.
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