I’VE DONE IT!

Joy for Geraint as Froome says Sky were motivated by Tour hate mob

GERAINT THOMAS will become the third Briton, and the third Team Sky rider, in just seven years to taste Tour de France glory in Paris today, with Chris Froome claiming they were driven on by the hostility they have encountered over the past three weeks.

Froome will also take a place on the podium on the Champs Elysees after the processional roll into the French capital this afternoon but, judging by the abuse Sky have received during more than 2,000 miles of racing, it is unlikely to be an entirely joyous occasion.

But Froome, who came into the race hoping to win a fifth Tour but will instead have to settle for third behind Thomas and Tom Dumoulin, said: ‘When there is negativity it brings us together as a team. I definitely felt that with the riders. We bonded faster. It feels as if we’re out against the world.

‘We’re here to win the race. It was amazing how the team pulled through, especially when off the bike it’s been more difficult than it has been previously. The guys have handled it extremely well. G has handled being in the yellow jersey extremely well. You can choose to let it get to you or you can choose to let it motivate you. For us it was a motivation.’

Froome paid tribute to Thomas, who came into the race as his chief lieutenant only to emerge as team leader after some stunning performances in the mountains.

‘He’s been a massive part of my Tour de France victories over the years and to see him come here now in the shape he was in, it was

clear to me if he was on the podium he was going to be on the top step,’ he said. ‘It makes me proud and I’m glad to be a part of that. Standing on the podium tomorrow will be a dream scenario for us.’

Thomas responded: ‘A big thanks to Froomey because he committed to me and I really appreciate having the best stage racer ever riding for me. This is just so surreal. It is going to take a while to sink in I think. Not until last night did I think I could win — I know people won’t believe it. But the last mountain stage was just a fight and I knew I had to just follow Tom like p** on a shoe.’

After another difficult year, one dominated by a scathing government report and Froome’s battle to clear his name after that adverse analytical finding at last year’s Vuelta, Sir Dave Brailsford was understandably delighted to see Thomas follow Froome’s victory in the Giro d’Italia in May.

‘Geraint will be a legend in Britain and Wales but Chris is a titan,’ he said.