Team Sky principal praises race winner for conduct on and off bike
Sunday 26 July 2015 18:53, UK
Sir Dave Brailsford has described Chris Froome as a “true champion” after he all but sealed Tour de France victory - and has likened allegations that the Briton is doping to searching for the Loch Ness Monster.
Froome will complete a 1min 12sec triumph over runner-up Nairo Quintana as long as he avoids crashing on Sunday’s largely processional 21st stage into Paris after defending his lead on stage 20’s summit finish on Alpe d’Huez.
As well as beating his rivals, the 30-year-old Briton has also had to overcome repeated suspicion that he is cheating and even physical abuse from spectators during the Tour.
Team Sky principal Brailsford told Sky Sports News HQ: "Fair play to Chris. The way he has dealt with everything on and off the bike – there are not many people who have got the mettle that he has and the composure under pressure. He really is a true champion.”
Team Sky reacted angrily to accusations of doping from the French media in particular during the race and took the unusual step of revealing some of Froome’s power data in a bid to prove his is clean.
Brailsford added: "It has been disrespectful, to come under the criticism and for people to say the things they have said about him with no foundation.
"They should go and spend their time sitting at the side of Loch Ness and waiting for a monster. It’s the same thing. We have still got people camping outside with binoculars saying, ‘I’m sure we are going to see the monster tomorrow’, but it never appears.
"You can’t prove him negative, but there is a weight of evidence to show that we are doing it the right way, we are a clean team and Chris Froome is just a fantastic champion."
Froome received outstanding support throughout the race from his team-mates, not least Geraint Thomas, who had been fourth overall until fatigue caught up with him on stage 19 on Friday.
The Welshman, who will finish 15th overall, said the squad had pulled together to meet every challenge the race threw at them.
He said: "To be honest I'm just thankful it's over. That was such a hard three weeks. We have just ridden so well. Whenever anybody was on a bad day, somebody else stepped up.
"The dedication to Froomey has been impeccable and for Froomey to finish it off is amazing."
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