CHRIS FROOME MADE it safely through the final stage of the Tour de France to become Britain’s only ever double-champion of the race.
Froome had effectively secured victory on Saturday when he did enough to retain the lead of the general classification despite Nairo Quintana’s best efforts.
Speaking on the podium after the race, Froome said he was willing to accept question marks about his performances, considering cycling’s history of drug abuse.
“This is such a great race, what can I say? I feel a lot of emotion,” said Froome after a Tour in which he was doused with urine, spat at, insulted and accused of cheating.
“Of course it was a very, very difficult Tour, both on the bike and off it. I’m so happy to be here in yellow.
“There were a few difficulties, a few extra stresses outside of the race but that’s cycling in 2015.
“I’m happy to be in this position to speak for cycling today.”
The Sky rider was officially confirmed as the champion as he crossed the line at the end of Sunday’s processional 21st stage, which saw race timings stopped earlier than scheduled as heavy rain caused dangerous situations on the cobbled roads in the centre of Paris.
With 10 laps around the circuit from the Champs-Elysees still to be completed, the clock was stopped on the first crossing of the finish line in line with Article 21(b) of Tour rules, meaning Froome only had to complete the stage thereafter.
Froome’s arrival in the French capital – flanked by his team-mates - capped an action-packed three weeks of the grand tour that has seen the Briton battle through several altercations with spectators.
The final stage went ahead despite a security scare in which shots were apparently fired by police at a vehicle in Paris.
Amid heightened security the peloton made their way on the 109.5km route from Ville-d’Avray, with jostling for position only beginning after the timings had been stopped.
Sylvain Chavanel (IAM Cycling) was the first to make a move at the front as he opened up a 12-second lead, but at the end of the 10 laps it was Andre Greipel who took the stage win – his fourth of the Tour.
The Lotto-Soudal rider spotted an opening in the closing metres of the race and edged out Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Bryan Coquard (Europcar) for victory.
Froome had no intention of being near the final sprint as he waited at the rear of the field, the yellow jersey wearer eventually coming home at a leisurely pace having earlier celebrated his achievement with the traditional glass of champagne.
As well as winning the overall title, Froome was also crowned ‘King of the Mountains’, while Quintana topped the young rider classification.
Of the Irish, Froome’s Sky teammate and road captain Nicolas Roche finished 35th in general classification, with Dan Martin close by in 39th place overall.
