Kerrison Admits Froome TT Mistakes

Congested run-up to Rio may have stunted Tour champ’s potential.

- Richard Abraham

Mistakes in the build-up to the Olympic Games cost Chris Froome in last Wednesday’s time trial and he is unlikely to start the Vuelta a Espana in good form this weekend, according to his coach Tim Kerrison.

A second bronze for Froome to go with his medal from 2012 ensured Great Britain didn’t leave the road events at the Rio Olympics empty handed. However, Kerrison told Cycling Weekly he believed that a long period between racing and a lack of consistent training days hindered Froome, who finished 1.02 behind gold medallist Fabian Cancellara.

“It’s difficult to follow up after what Chris did at the Tour,” the Australian said. “Over two weeks, to come away and maintain that same level of form is very difficult.”

Maintaining focus 

Froome’s post-Tour schedule saw him race a post-Tour criterium in Aalst, Belgium, before returning home to Monaco, flying to the UK to race RideLondon and flying out to Rio.

He added that maintaining mental focus after the Tour was also difficult.