2015 was the year when Chris Froome returned to Tour de France glory after he crashed out during his title defence in 2014. However, the season also had a bad end as he was forced to leave the Vuelta a Espana with a broken foot.

Froome managed to get back to racing as he lined up at the Saitama Criterium before put an end to his season. Despite his travails, he draws a positive balance.

“The season was positive,” he told AS. “I was at my best in the Tour. It was a great year although things didn't work out in the Vuelta.”

Froome left the Vuelta after he had fought his way through the brutally tough Andorra stage with his injured foot.

The Andorra stage was certainly one of the hardest moments,” he said. “I came to the Vuelta hoping to go find my form and I was getting there. Then I had the accident. It was a shame because it is a race that I love and one of the most important of the year but I could not do more.”

In addition to the injuries, Froome had other difficulties to deal with. During the Tour, his performances were questioned by a critical French public.

"There were times where I had as much suspicion as praise for my performance, but that's certainly not how it should be. I had to answer many questions about these issues when I was in yellow,” he said.

"Sometimes it's frustrating and I think the last Tour was one of the hardest I've had to face, but I survived it because I had nothing to hide.”

Froome won the Tour on a course that he had originally criticized for its lack of time trialling. He has done nothing to hide that he is much more pleased with the layout of the 2016 race.

"The race will be dictated by what happens,” he said. But what I want to make clear is that I like the changes that have been made ​​compared to the course of last year, and I think it will be fun. The Tour will be my priority and I will do my homework. I think it is difficult to focus on other races when the principal is so demanding.”

Next year Froome will get two new Spanish teammates as Sky have signed Mikel Landa and Benat Intxausti.

"'I think they are two great signings for the team,” he said. They are two strong riders and they are great teammates on the road. They'll be two very important riders.”

Many Spaniards regard Landa as the next great Spanish stage racer. Hence, some are concerned that he won’t get enough personal opportunities in his new team.

"Those who are in form will be allowed to lead the team,” Froome said. "Last year was a confirmation for him and he showed what he can do in very prestigious races. This year he can be a great leader in the Giro d'Italia, for example.”

Landa is set to lead Sky in the Giro but may also support Froome in the Tour.

"It's a possibility, but at Sky there are many strong riders and the team for the Tour, as for the other major races, depends on many factors. Anyway, if he's in the line-up, he will be very important,” Froome concluded.