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It's well established that Brailsford and Kerrigan believe that riding the Vuelta is a key component to winning the Tour the following year. Froome has only missed it in 2013 since he began winning GTs, and it was why Thomas rode it last year, despite having had a long season.
I think you can all but guarantee that Froome will be on the start line, whether he finishes or contends for the win is another matter.
andyp-
Interesting: I had forgotten that detail. In that case I do hope they send the core of the Tour team at least, but whether they will be competitive or not is another matter.
What is the natter about the Vuelta? Contador is all but confirmed, Nibbles I imagine will sit it out. Aru didn't ride the Giro so I imagine he'll be there. Little Richie Porte? I'd imagine he'll go, and hopefully have a BMC built around him, rather than the confused BMC squad at the Tour. I think one of the key things you do if you want to win the Tour is go in with one defined leader. Both Movistar and BMC have foundered with the whole 'decide the leader on the road' malarky, and both teams with the resources to compete with Sky.
Jimmy_Fingers
I would love to see Froome at the Vuelta. Unlike the Giro and the Tour you usually don't have a clue who will be racing it until a couple of weeks before. Usually it's for GC riders who messed up trying to win the other ones. but it would be great if Froome goes again with a strong line up i.e. the Tour team sans anyone with too long a season in their legs or someone that rode the Giro.
Chances are they'll send their B-team with Poels leading.