Chris Froome has admitted he remains unsure of his form going into the Vuelta a Espana, suggesting he could end his time with the Ineos Grenadiers in a support role over the next three weeks.
More than a year on from his career-threatening crash at the Criterium du Dauphine in June 2019, the 35-year-old will line up for the final race of his 11-year stay with Sir Dave Brailsford's team prepared to back team-mate Richard Carapaz if he cannot contend himself.
"It's quite hard to say where I am at the moment, I haven't done many stage races recently," said Froome, a two-time Vuelta winner.
"The signs in training have been better and better and I'm feeling more like my old self again which is fantastic, but it's hard to quantify that.
"I haven't been able to race and see where I'm at against my rivals. I'm going take the first few days to see exactly where I'm at from that point and I'll be able to have a clear plan for the rest of the race and know exactly what job I can fulfil at that point."
It has taken a herculean effort from Froome to overcome the multiple broken bones he suffered 16 months ago, but the shake up of the calendar amid the pandemic has not helped his cause in terms of getting back his rhythm.
Two months after he missed his primary target of selection for the Tour de France, and a shot at a record-equalling fifth Tour crown, many questions still remain ahead of his first three-week race since the 2018 Tour.
Froome will move to the Israel Start-Up Nation squad next season after more than a decade with what was Team Sky and then Team Ineos.
"It is a bag of mixed emotions," said Froome, who developed from an often awkward-looking young rider into arguably the greatest Grand Tour rider of his generation under the team's guidance.
"It's certainly strange thinking that I won't be in Ineos colours in a few months' time...
"I'm looking forward to finishing the time at Ineos on a high. We've got a great team here to support Richard as much as possible. We'll take it one day at a time and hopefully finish on a high note."
