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Froome Already Thinking About Tour Number Four

Chris Froome is already looking forward to defending the yellow jersey in next year's Tour de France - just a day after wrapping up his third win.

The British rider told Sky News that although he is now concentrating on taking part in next month's Olympics, he cannot wait to be back on the Tour.

Asked if he was setting his sights on a fourth and then a record-equalling fifth win, he said: "It's a bit early to be talking about five, but every time I get to the end of the Tour de France, I'm already thinking about coming back and fighting for it again.

"Just rolling onto the Champs-Elysees yesterday, I thought I can't wait to do this again next year. I would love to do that."

Froome told Sky News it had been a really tough tour. There was chaos when his bike got damaged in a crash involving a motorbike, and he fell off in the rain during one stage.

"It really was tough, even right up to the last stage," he said.

"I had a four minute advantage coming into the last couple of stages but it still felt as if on any one of those stages it could go either way."

The Team Sky rider said there was never any question that he would not compete in the Olympics.

"It didn't cross my mind I couldn't do both," he said.

"The Olympics only come round once every four years and to have this opportunity, it's been a big goal since we saw the route out from Rio, and hopefully we can go out there and be as competitive as possible."

Asked about his inspiration to go on, he said: "There's only a certain limit that you can go to I think physically, where you're just pushing as hard as you can go.

"You almost get to this point where anything beyond that just becomes mental - you against your rivals, and you have to push yourself that bit harder than everyone else.

"That's when you dig into the reserves of what really motivates you. I had my son and he's been a huge motivation.

"He's too young to really understand but I would love him to look back in 10 years' time and be proud of his old man."

And he said it is his family that helps keep his feet on the ground, despite his great success.

"It's probably my family that bring me back," he said. "If I do start getting a bit carried away, I'm sure my wife would set me straight pretty quickly."

Froome said he would be relaxing at home for a few days before concentrating on the Olympics.