This season was not a success for Chris Froome. Falls, illnesses, injuries have prevented the winner of the Tour de France 2013 to realize his sporting ambitions. The 29-year-old Britain has learned from these facts.

"Cycling is unpredictable. This year, I mostly have had to learn to handle situations when things do not go as hoped", he told Sky Sports News. His main goal, winning the Tour, flew after several crashes in the first week and a broken wrist and hand. A few weeks later, he lined up in the Vuelta but could not oppose Alberto Contador rightful also injury (fracture) who had interrupted his Tour de France.

"The Vuelta was proof that those injuries aren’t going to be an issue for me going forward. The Vuelta helped me get to the end of the season in good form again, which I would hope will transfer through to the winter."

Chris Froome knew that the luck factor is important in professional cycling. But the leader of Team Sky has nevertheless taught him valuable lessons.

"After a victory in the Tour, any other result can be a failure. It’s easy to get carried away with that sentiment, but in reality, cycling is not that controllable or predictable. You have to go with it when it deals you a rough hand. You have to get on with it and focus on the next thing. That has been a big part of the experience and what I have learnt."