Chris Froome bids to end 22-year wait in vicious Vuelta a Espana chitra

Instead the Briton's pursuit of cycling history continues, with the Team Sky rider announcing his participation in August's Vuelta a Espana.

No man has won both the Tour and the 'vicious' Spanish race in the same year since 1978, but the 32-year-old Froome was bullish about his chances.

'I've got the opportunity and I'm certainly going to go for it,' said Froome, looking ahead to the first stage in the French city of Nîmes, where the Vuelta starts on August 19.



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'To win the Tour and the Vuelta in one year would be absolutely incredible.'

Froome has fallen agonizingly short three times on the Spanish roads, placing second in the general classification in 2011, 2014 and 2016.

'The Vuelta is a race I love -- it's vicious but it's three weeks that I enjoy. I've come second three times now and I'd love to win.

Should he go one better, the 32-year-old would become the first ever British winner.

'There's no reason why not,' said Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford, calling his star rider 'a big champion'

'We've got four weeks to the start of the Vuelta. We've got a couple of races in between but we'll dust ourselves down a little bit and go and do it all over again.'

READ: 'A man with no platform is a lost man,' says Armstrong

READ: Is this the world's toughest bike race?

A victim of his own success?

Froome is just one Tour de France win away from the all-time record -- held by cycling luminaries Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain.

However, Froome's recent domination of the Tour hasn't been universally welcomed, with some downgrading his achievements as more a product of cold efficiency, teamwork and mastery of data, rather than his own individual brilliance.

Are such accusations fair?

From crashes and punctures to unsympathetic bystanders, Froome has overcome every barrier that has been put in his way -- famously running up Mont Ventoux in his cycling shoes on his way to the yellow jersey last year.

Does Chris Froome get the credit he deserves? Have your say on CNN Sport's Facebook page

Sometimes overlooked for a perceived lack of panache, he graciously helped a fan propose to his fiancee in the 'City of Love,' just moments after celebrating his fourth tour win in Paris this week.

The charismatic Bradley Wiggins was always going to be a tough act to follow -- particularly given he ended Britain's 110-year wait for a first Tour de France winner.

Conquer the Vuelta, which finishes on 10 September in Madrid, and perhaps Froome will prove his credentials once and for all.

Does Chris Froome get the credit he deserves? Have your say on CNN Sport's Facebook page 'There's no reason why not,' said Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford, calling his star rider 'a big champion' 'There's no reason why not,' said Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford, calling his star rider 'a big champion' Are such accusations fair? A victim of his own success? 'The Vuelta is a race I love -- it's vicious but it's three weeks that I enjoy. I've come second three times now and I'd love to win. READ: 'A man with no platform is a lost man,' says Armstrong READ: Is this the world's toughest bike race? The charismatic Bradley Wiggins was always going to be a tough act to follow -- particularly given he ended Britain's 110-year wait for a first Tour de France winner. Does Chris Froome get the credit he deserves? Have your say on CNN Sport's Facebook page Are such accusations fair? However, Froome's recent domination of the Tour hasn't been universally welcomed, with some downgrading his achievements as more a product of cold efficiency, teamwork and mastery of data, rather than his own individual brilliance. From crashes and punctures to unsympathetic bystanders, Froome has overcome every barrier that has been put in his way -- famously running up Mont Ventoux in his cycling shoes on his way to the yellow jersey last year. Froome is just one Tour de France win away from the all-time record -- held by cycling luminaries Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain. 'There's no reason why not,' said Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford, calling his star rider 'a big champion' 'I've got the opportunity and I'm certainly going to go for it,' said Froome, looking ahead to the first stage in the French city of Nîmes, where the Vuelta starts on August 19. Conquer the Vuelta, which finishes on 10 September in Madrid, and perhaps Froome will prove his credentials once and for all. No man has won both the Tour and the 'vicious' Spanish race in the same year since 1978, but the 32-year-old Froome was bullish about his chances. However, Froome's recent domination of the Tour hasn't been universally welcomed, with some downgrading his achievements as more a product of cold efficiency, teamwork and mastery of data, rather than his own individual brilliance. No man has won both the Tour and the 'vicious' Spanish race in the same year since 1978, but the 32-year-old Froome was bullish about his chances.

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