LONDON: Chris Froome’s father claims the newly-crowned Tour de France champion is the perfect personality to restore cycling’s battered reputation.
Froome, 28, became Britain’s second successive winner of the prestigious race when he crossed the finishing line in Paris on Sunday, following Bradley Wiggins’ success.
But with the Lance Armstrong doping scandal still fresh in the minds of many, Froome has had to fend off some awkward questions throughout the Tour on the subject of drug cheats, particularly after his victory on stage 15.
“I can remember sending him an SMS after the press conference after his victory on Mont Vonteux the next morning, saying I really couldn’t believe the extent to which, rather than congratulate him, the media there were pointing fingers and bringing up the issue again,” Froome senior told Sky Sports News yesterday.
“He’s been passionately opposed to the use of drugs ever since he was an adolescent.
“I think he really feels this year it could be a landmark for cycling.
“He’s felt pretty indignant about the aspersions cast in his direction and I think he feels that with so many young riders, young clean riders, achieving positions in this year’s Tour that it may be a turning point for cycling, which cycling so badly needs.
“And I think the cycling community will probably support him in that and continue to drive out those malevolent individuals who quietly on the side possibly still use drugs.” AFP
