Defending Tour de France champion Chris Froome described the 2017 race route as once again "very tough".

For the first time since 1992, the Vosges, Jura, Pyrenees, Central Massif and Alps regions will all feature in the same edition of the Grand Tour.

Team Sky rider Froome, a three-time Tour champion, is ready for another challenge, but believes there are also opportunities.

"I think, like every time, it's a very tough route. There are not a lot of kilometres of time trial, only 23 kilometres and the prologue," he said.

"But there are only three arrivals at the top of a climb. It will be a more aggressive race.

"There will be many chances to attack. I think it will be a good show."

Froome said being consistent throughout the Tour, which will run July 1-23 next year, was crucial.

"The Tour de France is always tough. You need to be strong in the mountains, you need to be strong in time trial, you need a strong team, and you need to be strong during three weeks, not only one or two," he said.

"You have to be strong everywhere, this is the Tour de France."