THE CONTENDERS

CHRIS FROOME

35, Ineos Grenadiers, GBr

Vuelta participations: 6

Best GC result: 1st (2011,17)

Best stage result: 5 wins (2011,16,17)

While most of the peloton have had their season disrupted by coronavirus, Chris Froome can claim bragging rights on just about all of them – his crash last June has meant he’s leapt more hurdles than most just to be on the startline.

Judging by witness accounts of that Critérium du Dauphiné crash, the first hurdle was staying alive, followed by being able to make a full recovery; then being able to cycle at a high level again; and lastly, being able to challenge for victory in a Grand Tour. Each of those steps is a significant jump. It’s a