Rival ‘sorry’ for Froome

CHRIS FROOME’S big Tour de France rival Romain Bardet has apologised for the booing and abuse Britain’s three-time Yellow Jersey winner endured on Sunday.

Froome staged a brilliant fightback from a broken rear wheel to preserve his 18-second lead.

Home favourite Bardet, only 23secs behind Froome on the general classification going into yesterday’s final rest day, said: “I heard that Froome had been abused at times during the stage – and I am sorry about that.

“He is a champion and he deserves respect. I respect him as a rival and he does not deserve that treatment.”