Cycling news - Chris Froome plans to ride for five more years

Froome won the Giro d'Italia for the first time in 2018, before finishing third in the Tour de France as he missed out on a record-equalling fifth title.

He has now announced that he will start next season at the Tour Colombia, and in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, revealed that he expects to continue riding until 2023.

He told the Italian newspaper:

"But it must be at top level.

"I think that few riders can handle my training regime – maybe no one. My workouts are very intense. I always try to push my limits.

"By constantly looking up your limit and going over it, you can increase your volume. You have to find it normal, as it were, to push your boundaries. I always want to become better as a cyclist. It is a kind of obsession. I am therefore fully committed to it. I really want to know every detail."

While Froome has not yet decided on his full programme for 2019, he admits the attraction of a fifth Tour victory is strong.

And although his stage victory on the Zoncolan during this year's Giro d'Italia, which allowed him to take the overall lead, was spectacular, he still has to weigh up whether he will return to the race next year.

He added: "I've not yet decided, I need to sit down with the team and think about it. The Giro is a spectacular race, the Tour is the best way to measure your worth as a rider.

"I can't deny that the five victories are an objective. I want to join the special club with (Jacques) Anquetil, (Bernard) Hinault, (Miguel) Indurain and (Eddy) Merckx."