As I write, I’m watching the arrival of the Tour de France in Paris. I’ve heard it’s been a vintage year for ‘Le Tour’ but have to admit that I’ve only been following from a distance via the third parties of social media and the odd news report […]
By Claire Philbin He may not be participating in this yearโs Tour de France after a horrifying injury at the Critรฉrium du Dauphinรฉ left Chris Froome with multiple fractures and ruled him out of the rest of the season. But if you bet on Tour de France 2019, […]
By John Mullins What makes the Tour de France so special? Why is it that this one cycling competition transcends all other events on two wheels? Even if cycling isnโt your thing, youโll know what the Tour de France is all about. Since 1903, the world has been […]
The 2020 Tour de France was one of the most significant races of the last decade. Since 2012, Team Sky dominated the ultimate event in road cycling under the governance of Sir Dave Brailsford. He masterminded a team that would remain the dominant force on the roads for years to come. It started with Bradley Wiggins, and then Chris Froome took over as the heir to the throne, claiming the yellow jersey in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017. In 2018, injury struck the ageing star, paving the way for teammate Geraint Thomas to take the crown.
On the face of it, itโs not wrong for a four-time Tour de France winner to laugh off the critics who say that he should retire.ย Froome, one of Britainโs most successful cyclists, has put his body through decades of ferocious competition and intensity to build a bulletproof legacy.ย ย But, while theย Olympic silver medallist is saying all the right words, they appear to be hollower than they sound. Performances never lie, andย Froomeโsย havenโt been steady or spectacular, which suggests that the people doubting him could be on to something.ย ย
A short but rather beautiful animation from Citroรซn commemorating the Tour de France ‘broom wagon’ on Mont Ventoux.
