Chris Froome has become Britain’s first three-time winner of the Tour de France.
The Team Sky rider crossed the finish line in Paris on Sunday, also becoming the first man to defend his title in twenty years.
In an emotional victory speech, Froome paid tribute to those that were killed in the recent terror attacks in Nice.
84 people were killed in the city during Bastille Day celebrations when a lorry was driven through crowds by Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel before he was shot dead by police.
That same day, stage 12 of the Tour had passed from Montpellier to Mont Ventoux. The following day, it was decided that the time trial between Bourg-Saint-Andéol and La Caverne du Pont-d’Arc would go ahead, despite the terrible scenes witnessed in Nice.
“This Tour has obviously taken place against the backdrop of terrible events in Nice and we pay our respects once again to those that lost their lives in this terrible event.
“Of course these events put sport into perspective, but they also show why the values of sport are so important to free society.
“We all love the tour because it’s unpredictable, but we love it more because of what stays the same: the passion of the fans from every nation along the roadside, the beauty of the French countryside and bonds of friendship created through sport. These things will never change.”
Well said.
Triple Tour champion Chris Froome's speech from atop the podium in Paris after winning the #TDF2016 https://t.co/rMj4cmORYP
— Eurosport (@eurosport) July 24, 2016
