Chris Froome has named Richie Porte (BMC Racing), Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) and last year’s runner-up Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale) as his main contenders for the Tour de France. Froome did not, however, point to Nairo Quintana (Movistar), saying that the Colombian may suffer from the challenge of doing the Tour and the Giro d’Italia in the same season.
"My biggest threats come from guys who did not do the Giro, Richie Porte, Alberto Contador and Romain Bardet," Froome told Reuters. "I think it is going to be tough for Nairo to do the Giro and the Tour."
Quintana embarked on a Giro-Tour double attempt this season but fell short of the mark last month when he was beaten by Tom Dumoulin by just 31 seconds. Froome told Reuters that he did not see much of the Giro d’Italia due to altitude training in Tenerife, but admitted that Quintana could be in better shape come July.
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"He may then be doing better on the Tour because he is a rider who is better in the second than the first grand tour," said Froome.
It is his former right-hand man Porte that has been the leading light of the general classification lot so far this season. Porte opened his account at the Tour Down Under, and despite a failed GC bid at Paris-Nice, he came home with a stage win. His last outing was the Tour de Romandie, where he beat Simon Yates to the title by 21 seconds. Froome suffered from back problems during Romandie, eventually finishing 18th overall.
"Richie has been amazing this season, winning the Tour Down Under and recently the Tour of Romandie. I think this year's Tour suits Richie really well," said Froome. "He's definitely got a chance to be up there for the win. This season he has been showing what he is capable of. I always believe in Richie.”
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