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Racing

Vuelta a Espana 2014: first five observations

Michael Matthews proves potential as Chris Froome looks to make up ground overall

If Chris Froome’s bid for the red jersey – in what is his first race back after crashing out of the Tour de France – was not already difficult enough, it was made surprisingly harder still after Team Sky fell below-par on stage one.

Last time out, Sky finished fourth in the team time trial having won in the discipline at the Giro d’Italia earlier in the year – before going on to win bronze at the world team time trial championships.

Chris Froome finishes stage three in the lead group, as he looks to find his form and claw back time overall (pic: Sirotti)

Sky’s 11th place, 27 seconds off the pace, leaves Froome with time to make up on his rivals – albeit only a slight deficit.

However, he has already made progress on that front, finishing tenth on stage three to show his form and also climb up to 17th overall – showing he has the legs, at least on the smaller ascents, to stick with his rivals.

Froome, if on top form, should recoup much of his lost time without any problem – though Nairo Quintana is likely to prey on any advantage he has.

But the early signs, at least, show the 2013 Tour de France champion has the form he requires.

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