Sport

Tour de France leader Chris Froome hits back at critics

Chris Froome, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, is followed by Tejay van Garderen of the United States, far left, as they speed downhill during day 12 of the Tour de France
Chris Froome, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, is followed by Tejay van Garderen of the United States, far left, as they speed downhill during day 12 of the Tour de France Chris Froome, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, is followed by Tejay van Garderen of the United States, far left, as they speed downhill during day 12 of the Tour de France

CHRIS Froome fended off attacks on and off the bike in maintaining his commanding Tour de France lead on Thursday's stormy final Pyrenean stage.

The 30-year-old's Team Sky squad, with Richie Porte and Geraint Thomas to the fore, successfully nullified attempted attacks by Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintana on the 195-kilometres 12th stage from Lannemezan to Plateau de Beille.

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) won as Froome finished 10th alongside the main protagonists, protecting his advantage of two minutes 52 seconds from Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing) on a stage which finished in torrential rain.

Froome has been subjected to innuendo and disparaging remarks following his dominant display on Tuesday's win at La Pierre-Saint-Martin and rounded on his critics on Thursday.

Among those pondering the legitimacy of Froome's performances - and he insists he is racing clean - are French commentators Laurent Jalabert and Cedric Vasseur, two former riders who both have their own historical questions to answer from an era where doping was rife.

"It's quite rich coming from cyclists like Jalabert and Vasseur to be commenting on my racing in such a way. I think it's really disappointing," the 2013 champion said.

"Those are the guys that a lot of people look up to. And here they are casting doubt on current cycling and a clean cyclist and a clean team.

"These guys are setting the tone for the public, for the fans. And in my opinion that is not correct."

There have been suggestions Team Sky are using controversial, but legal, ketones, which are said to have benefits for endurance athletes, such as by preserving energy stores and muscle while burning fat.

Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford on Tuesday insisted the British squad did not use ketones - and Froome had to look up what it was after facing scrutiny in the Belgian media.

Froome added: "There had been a lot of talk about Team Sky and myself specifically using some kind of ketone drink or something, which is crazy.

"I had to Google it to find out what it was. One hundred per cent the team does not use ketones."

The latest interrogation followed a day which began in 35C heat and finished in a heavy rain, with thunder clapping overhead.

Rodriguez broke out of a 22-rider escape group to solo to his second win of the race, following his triumph on stage three to Mur de Huy.

Froome crossed six minutes 47 seconds behind and relieved after his rivals in turn tried to test him on the brutal 15.8km finishing ascent.

Porte nullified short-lived attacks by Contador, then Nibali and Alejandro Valverde, who may have been a decoy for Movistar team-mate Quintana.

When Colombian Quintana went the first time, Thomas closed the gap, with Porte spent.

Quintana went again and this time Froome followed, having moments earlier stretched his legs himself.

"I was just testing the legs, just seeing exactly where everyone was at with just over 4kms to go, just (to) see who was on the limit," Froome said.

"I was hoping maybe one or two guys might switch off mentally with that acceleration, but everybody seemed pretty fresh so at that point I just said 'okay, I'm just going to try to get to the line today in the best condition possible and hopefully not lose any time'."

Froome paid tribute to his team-mates, in particular Thomas, who finished alongside him to stay fifth overall.

When Sir Bradley Wiggins won the 2012 Tour, Froome finished second.

Asked if Thomas could reach the podium on July 26 in Paris, Froome said: "I definitely think G's capable of it. If he carries on riding the way he's riding now I don't see why he shouldn't be right up there."

Friday's 198.5km stage from Muret to Rodez is bumpy, but there is a slim chance of a sprint finish and Mark Cavendish claiming a 27th Tour stage win.

Alex Dowsett will not be present, having abandoned on Thursday after riding with a painful elbow for a week following a crash.