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How Chris Froome helped a fan propose to his girlfriend moments after winning the Tour de France

A proposal can be logistically challenging as it is, so imagine throwing a three-week cycling race into the mix.
A proposal can be logistically challenging as it is, so imagine throwing a three-week cycling race into the mix. A proposal can be logistically challenging as it is, so imagine throwing a three-week cycling race into the mix.

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.

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.

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.

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.