Froome relishing 'new challenge' in virtual cycling race

Four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome said he was relishing a new test as he headlines ' Challenge of Stars' virtual cycling race against an Italian backdrop this weekend. Giro d'Italia, first Grand Tour of season, originally set for May 9-31, has been pushed back until October. But 16 riders -- eight sprinters and eight climbers -- will participate in a kckout tournament in two categories on BKOOL cycling simulation platform.

Froome relishing 'new challenge'

"At a time like this when we are unable to race it's great to be able to use techlogy to put on an event like Challenge of Stars and bring entertainment to cycling fans," said former Giro d'Italia winner Froome.

Sprinters will race over 1.2km in virtual Tuscan countryside on Saturday, with climbers including Froome and fellow multiple Grand Tour winner Vincenzo Nibali of Italy tackling a 2.9km ascent up a simulated Stelvio on Sunday. Team Ineos rider Froome will ride against France's Warren Barguil of Team Arkea Samsic in head-to-head format, with Nibali taking on CCC Team's Simon Geschke of Germany. Challengers also include Germany's Pascal Ackermann (Bora-Hansgrohe), Denmark's Jakob Fuglsang (Astana Pro Team)and Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo), France's Nacer Bouhanni (Arkea-Samsic) and Australia's Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal). 

Im credits: AP