Froome's thoughts with Kenya as he prepares for tilt at world title

Chris Froome has been in reflective spirits this week ahead of the world championships road race on Sunday, in the wake of the terrorist attack in his birthplace, Nairobi.

Speaking in Tuscany, where he has begun his final preparations for Sunday's race, Froome revealed "It's been in my thoughts a lot this week."

As a child Froome often visited Nairobi, and is planning a holiday there later this year with his fiancee and manager Michelle Cound. He explained, "When I heard, I was really, really sad. It was such a scary situation, just families and kids going shopping at the weekend, pretty much the last thing that would ever cross your mind that could happen."

Froome openly discussed his struggle to regain his focus, two months on from his Tour win, adjusting to the demands and opportunities of his celebrity status, "On the back of the Tour and all that it definitely has been harder to get back into it and I've found there have been a lot more distractions since I have been going again."

He will need every ounce of focus he can muster on Sunday if he wants to claim the elusive double of the rainbow and yellow jerseys - a feat last achieved 24 years ago by Greg LeMond.

Froome is the first to admit that he is not the favourite for Sunday's race - he has his eye on the speedy Slovakian rider Peter Sagan and Belgium's sprinter Phillipe Gilbert. Like many riders, is hoping to take advantage on the steep ascents. "I think Sagan and Gilbert are the two to really look out for most. If they get into difficulty with the amount of climbing then I think it would be more of a climber's race but as long as they're there, then it's basically up to them."

However, Froome has a handy not-so-secret weapon in the shape of one Bradley Wiggins. Despite admitting that he has had no contact with Wiggins since his Tour win, Froome senses Wiggins could make a vital contribution to his chances of a world title this autumn, as he did with Mark Cavendish in 2011. "He's key," Froome comments. "He's going to be one of the key guys towards the end of the race. It would be great if he could help me towards the final lap."

With or without Wiggins' help, Froome will be hoping to once more channel all his efforts and experience into achieving an historic double this weekend.