Leader Froome targets multiple Tour titles

THIS was the kind of day that should ease the pressure on Chris Froome, a spectacular stage with seven Alpine climbs and it ended with the leader of the Tour de France musing on becoming a multiple winner.

Froome f i nished safely among the main contenders to protect his 3min 10sec advantage over Nairo Quintana with just two days in the mountains remaining. And with the 185km Stage 18 being won by Romain Bardet, the second French winner, it should improve the country’s mood as Froome closes in on his second Tour title, perhaps reducing the likelihood of more abuse on the roads.

Even so, the day did not go entirely smoothly for Froome. After more stories of secret motors in bikes being the reason for his dominance, the Team Sky rider’s bicycle was among those taken away for inspection after the race.

And there were yet more questions to answer with an undertone of suspicion. This time concerning Froome’s visits to sports physician Dr Stephane Bermon, who is not employed by Sky.

‘He is a doctor at the Monaco Institute of Sport,’ said Froome yesterday. ‘Seeing as we (Sky) don’t have any doctors based down on the Cote d’Azur, we use the Monaco Institute of Sport.’

Barring some kind of disaster in the final two days in the Alps, Froome appears to have won this race and last night he admitted he will not be satisfied to retire with just two Tour victories.

‘My goal wasn’t necessarily to win the Tour,’ he said. ‘It was to try to be the best cyclist I could be. I don’t believe in winning the Tour once and saying: “Let’s call it a day.”’

Endurance: Froome