Froome the fantastic
MPs demand a knighthood for double Tour de France winner
CHRIS Froome glided into the history books last night as he became the first Briton to win the Tour de France twice – leading to calls for him to be knighted.
His victory in the gruelling 2,019-mile cycle race came against a backdrop of abuse and suspicion, during which he was spat at, jeered, and a cup of urine was thrown over him amid accusations of doping in the French media.
His incredible triumph under such adversity fuelled calls for Froome to join Britain’s cycling ‘ aristocracy’ – Bradley Wiggins, who was knighted after he became the first Briton to win the Tour de France, and Chris Hoy, knighted after he won three gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.
Ian Austin, Labour MP and patron of the all-party parliamentary cycling group, said: ‘This is a phenomenal achievement.
‘The Tour de France is probably the toughest event in world sport. To win it twice is extraordinary and Chris Froome should get the highest honours available – a knighthood.’
Richard Caborn, Labour’s former Minister for Sport, added: ‘It’s one hell of a landmark. I think serious consideration should be given to knighting Chris Froome.’
A downpour greeted Froome’s arrival in Paris yesterday, making conditions slippery. There was a hiccup when a McDonald’s take- away bag blew into his gearing and forced him to change bikes, but the sun was shining as a smiling Froome lined up with his Team Sky teammates to cross the finish line on the Champs Élysées.
Froome, 30, looked close to tears as he was presented with the trophy on the podium. He said: ‘Thank you to my wife Michelle – your love and support are my motivation. The maillot jaune [yellow jersey] is special, very special.
‘I will always respect it and never dishonour it and I will always be proud to have won it.’
Welsh-born wife Michelle, who is pregnant with their first child, a boy, said: ‘It’s absolutely incredible. I need to pinch myself. There has been a lot of controversy but Chris takes it in his stride. It is just water off a duck’s back.’
Froome was presented the winner’s trophy by Chancellor George Osborne, who was in Paris for talks with French ministers about EU renegotiation.
A MANHUNT was under way last night after French police opened fire on a car that tried to smash through a Tour barricade.
Shots rang out at 8am as the drama unfolded yards from the US Embassy. The car, a black Renault Twingo, was found abandoned nearby a few hours later, with bullet holes visible on its bodywork.