Chris Froome to ride Vuelta a Espana

The Team Sky cyclist confirmed on social media that he will take part in the Spanish race, which begins on 22 August in Puerto Banus.

2013 and 2015 Tour de France champion Froome had already said he would decide this week about whether or not to take part in the race.

He has a fine record in the notoriously gruelling Spanish event, finishing second, fourth and second in his three attempts (in 2011, 2012 and 2014 respectively).

But after his exertions winning the Tour de France, the idea of winning another Grand Tour in the same season is difficult, as Froome himself said last month: "I know it would be a massive challenge to back it up with another Grand Tour now, especially to go with the aim of going for the general classification again."

Froome will indeed have his work cut out: only eight men in history have ever won two Grand Tours in a season, and the last man to win the Tour and the Vuelta in the same year was Benard Hinault in 1978.

But we can absolutely understand why he is doing so. To pull off a double victory in one season would elevate him to the realms of the greatest cyclists in history. What better way to sock it to those critics who continue to sling mud in his direction, despite their only evidence being Froome's absolute mastery of his sport?