Dan Martin (Israel Startup Nation) is currently enjoying a remarkable late-season form and success in the Vuelta a España, but the Irishman is also looking ahead to next season, where he will be teammates with Chris Froome. Martin believes that with Froome joining the team, the team will be able to take the next step forward.

"I can't wait to actually race on the same team (with Chris Froome)," Martin said at Monday's rest day press conference. He's a real presence and he's going to inspire everyone."

"The team will be even better next year. It has been a steep learning curve from a small Continental team to a WorldTour team. Now that we have signed the best riders of this generation, it feels really exciting to be a part of it."

Cyclingnews reported in July that Froome will leave his longtime team Ineos Grenadiers (formerly Team Sky) to join the Israeli startup nation in 2021. He has been with the British team since its inception in 2010 and has enjoyed much success, winning the Tour de France four times, the Giro d'Italia twice, and the Vuelta a España twice.

Froome is currently competing in his last race with Ineos Grenadiers, the Vuelta a España, and is currently in 98th place, over an hour behind teammate and overall leader Richard Calapaz.

Froom, who lost a lot of time in the early mountain stages and was seriously injured in a crash at the Criterium du Dauphiné last June that kept him out of Grand Tour stage races, said he is focused on supporting Calapaz.

"We've been talking every day this week in the peloton," Martin said of Froome. 'The fact that he's riding a bike this year after his crash is amazing. I think he's going to make great progress in this race."

Martin is currently in third place overall, 20 seconds behind Calapaz and two seconds behind second-place Hugh Carthy (EF Pro Cycling). He had a strong start to the race, finishing third on the summit of Alate in stage 1, third on Lecumbelli in stage 2, and winning La Laguna Negra de Vinuesa in stage 3.

Despite a crash on stage 5, he survived his most difficult day to date on the rainy and cold summit of Formigal on stage 6, putting his podium chances on track.

"When you race in these conditions, it takes a lot of energy. Of course I'm feeling a little tired today, it's been a very tough week. Mentally I feel really good. My legs are a little tired, but I think tomorrow I will be fit again and ready to fight."

Asked if he will be aiming for another stage win at the Vuelta a España, Martín said that it would depend on what opportunities the next 12 days of racing would bring.

"It depends on the chances, but I think the breakaway will decide a lot of the stages ahead," said Martín. 'But who knows?' 'If I have good legs and a chance, of course I will go for the stage.'

The Vuelta a España continues on Tuesday with stage 7, Vitoria Gasteiz to Villanueva de Valdegovia.