As if the pressure of competing in cycling’s biggest race wasn’t enough, it turns out winner Chris Froome had an even bigger weight on his shoulders.
The now four-time Tour de France champion had the job of helping another man propose to his girlfriend moments after he’d completed the three-week race.
Chris Froome helps a fan propose to his girlfriend… pic.twitter.com/s4KiMiJnGe
— Orla Chennaoui (@SkyOrla) July 23, 2017
In a heartwarming move, the 32-year-old winner of this year’s Tour put his own festivities on hold to hand a black box to fan Tom Calverley, who was waiting to get down on bended knee.
As bystanders in Paris formed a human barrier around journalist Calverley, Froome’s outstretched hand passed him the ring as his girlfriend, Amy, looked on, stunned.
He said: “I’ve been carrying this around for three weeks with me, now.”
The fan asked: “Have you? Is that what almost made you lose it?”
“Almost – it’s pretty heavy,” the cyclist responded.
And she said yes!!! Congratulations guys! pic.twitter.com/hnBd0sUAMh
— Orla Chennaoui (@SkyOrla) July 23, 2017
Surrounded by cameras and waiting fans, the couple kissed and hugged as Froome moved on and let them enjoy the moment.
Calverley thanked “legend” Froome for a “great day” on Twitter.
1/2 Great day yesterday. Best friend agreed to permanently put up w me! Huge thank you to @wrightben @TeamSky and, of course, @chrisfroome
— Tom Calverley (@tcalverley) July 24, 2017
2/2 They had enough stress having just won the @LeTour after a gruelling 3 weeks. Didn’t have to do that but they made it happen. Legends. X
— Tom Calverley (@tcalverley) July 24, 2017
The cyclist became the first British competitor to win the Tour four times, having also succeeded in 2013, 2015 and 2016.
The tough Tour came to a head in a race to the finish on the Champs Elysees, in which Froome finished with a 54-second margin.