Challenges in store for Froome with dangerous descent and tough climbs

Tour de France riders were set to tackle the hair-raising Col d’Allos descent in the Alps on Wednesday. The 17th stage 161-kilometre ride from Digne-les-Bains to Pra-Loup features a 15.9 descent which is known as one of the most dangerous in France. Tour leader Chris Froome was expecting attacks from rivals Nairo Quintana and Alberto Contador.

Movistar rider Alejandro Valverde of Spain (L) talks with Team Sky rider Chris Froome of Britain, 22 July 2015. Reuters/Stefano Rellandini

“It’s a very difficult descent, not so much because it’s technical but because the road surface is not very good,” said reigning champion Vincenzo Nibali of the Col d’Allos descent. “The key is balance and you get balance from doing a lot of mountain biking in training."

Team Sky’s Froome led the pack by more than three minutes ahead of the 17th stage and he is likely to face a number of challenges in the Alps.

“I don’t know if we’ll overtake Froome but we’ll try,” second-placed Quintana, who won the final Alpine stage two years ago, told the AFP news agency.

“Even though it would be satisfying to be on the podium in Paris, the main aim we’re working for is the yellow jersey,” the Colombian cyclist added.

Froome is well aware of his rivals’ capabilities and expects his team to be prepared to deal with any challenges.

“As a team we’ve got to expect anything and be ready for it,” he told AFP.

The Briton says the next four Alpine stages all hold particular challenges with 18 categorised climbs.