Cyclist Chris Froome (Ineos) fears that the organizers of the
Tour de France cannot prevent spectators from gathering to watch the race, even though the event was not open to the public due to the coronavirus, he said on Sunday.
“In theory, the race can take place, but I think the big question is: will the organizers be able to prevent people from going out and forming a crowd? I think that’s the main question, “said the four-time Tour de France winner during a live video chat on Instagram with former English cricketer Kevin Pietersen.
Tour postponed by two months
The French government has indicated that there could not be public gatherings before September, which casts doubt on the flagship event of the cycling season despite its two-month postponement to the end of August ( August 29-September 20), due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Sports Ministry said, however, that the government announcements did not impose “either postponement or cancellation” but that restrictions on the presence of the public were possible.
“The race can be contested and broadcast on television”
Measures that Chris Froome therefore considers difficult to apply, even if he would accept it. “The race can be contested and broadcast on television,” said the 34-year-old British racer who has already missed the 2019 Tour due to a serious fall on the Dauphiné.
“There will not be these usual scenes that we see when we pass through these tunnels of people,” admits “Froomey” who could not taste competition until February of this year on the UAE Tour. “This may be the version of the race that we will have to have this year. I don’t know, ”he questions.
Up to six hours of training per day
Despite the confinement, Froome, who recently entrusted to The team dreaming of finishing his career having “won more Tours de France than anyone” – therefore more than five – continues his training at home in his Monegasque residence.
“Some days I even do up to six hours of home trainer,” he said, explaining that his long physical rehabilitation after his fall had “somehow prepared him for this period of confinement.”
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