Chris Froome unveils customised Tour de France bike

Chris Froome is the talk of the peloton after unveiling new custom artwork on his Pinarello DOGMA F8 before the start of stage 13.

Chris Froome is the talk of the Tour de France peloton after unveiling new custom artwork on his Pinarello DOGMA F8 before the start of stage 13.

Froome’s frame has been transformed to include striking rhino logos, as well as customised flashes of yellow to mark his time in the iconic race leader’s jersey.

The rhino graphics were specifically chosen as a nod to the British rider’s African heritage, and to show his commitment to the conservation of these animals and excitement at becoming an ambassador for the United for Wildlife, a partnership that unites seven of the world’s leading wildlife organisations in the battle against the illegal wildlife trade including poaching of rhinos. 

Froome has joined a star-studded list of ambassadors, including David Beckham, Andy Murray and Lewis Hamilton, and hopes his new bike will help raise awareness about the many animals being poached to near-extinction around the world.

Froome has long been a passionate campaigner about the subject, and is privileged to be supporting a cause so close to his heart.

He said: “As a boy growing up in Kenya and South Africa, I lived with rhinos, elephants and other wildlife (see the photo below when Chris met Morani the tame black rhino as a child). These majestic creatures made a lasting impression on me and I'm thrilled to announce that I am becoming an ambassador for United for Wildlife. I've added a rhino to my bike to show my support.

"My mechanic Gary Blem came up with the idea of putting the rhino images on my frame, and I thought it was a great way to highlight their plight.

"There's a huge need to raise awareness about rhino and elephant poaching in Africa. If it continues at the rate that it is, we're going to lose these animals forever. If I want my child to enjoy wildlife the way I did, raising awareness for this cause is paramount.

"Rhinos are such powerful animals, and like me, they charge with their heads down (laughs). That's what I feel like when I'm going for it on my bike, so I thought it was perfect symbol for that." 

Find out more about United for Wildlife, and how to support their #WhoseSideAreYouOn initiative, at www.unitedforwildlife.org