Mr Froome, who joined the Israel Start-Up Nation (ISN) squad after an 11-year stint with Ineos Grenadiers, sustained serious injuries in a crash in June 2019. He said he hoped to “get back to that top level” and fight for a fifth Tour de France victory.
“I’ve been focusing a lot this winter on really addressing some of those imbalances and weaknesses I’ve had from the injury,” he said. “I’m feeling really optimistic about the upcoming season.”
He acknowledged the move had been “a pretty big decision”, but said he felt an “immediate connection” with owner Sylvan Adams when they met.
“His passion was clear to see,” the cycling ace said. “Changing at this point in my career... we agreed that joining ISN is a commitment I’m not just going to make for a year or two.”
Mr Froome added that he expected to remain with the Israeli team for the rest of his career, and “potentially even beyond”. The athlete said: “It’s a whole new change. It’s a new project, It’s a new chapter, it does feel quite rejuvenating for me.”
The winner of seven Grand Tours had been set to make his debut in blue-and-white at the Vuelta San Juan race in Argentina this month, which was cancelled due to Covid.
