Froome will take part in Tour of Spain

Madrid, Aug 11: Tour de France winner Chris Froome has confirmed he will ride in the Tour of Spain (Vuelta de Espana), which begins on August 22 in the town of Puerto Banus.

Froome, who rides for the Sky team, could well be accompanied by Welsh rider Geraint Thomas, who offered him excellent support in the Tour, before running out of steam on the penultimate mountain stage, reported Xinhua news agency.

It will not be the first time Froome has ridden the three-week long Vuelta which is the last grand tour of the year. He finished second in the 2011 and 2014 editions of the race.

Last season saw him finish behind local favorite, Alberto Contador, but Contador is unlikely to ride this year's Vuelta after riding in the Giro de Italia and the Tour, when he failed to make a podium finish.

One rider who will compete with Froome is Colombian Nairo Quintana who will count on the support of the powerful Movistar team.