Tour de France leader Froome questions ‘strange’ doping scrutiny

Tour de France leader Chris Froome branded the constant speculation surrounding him as “strange” after once again facing a barrage of doping questions. Froome finished 28th on Monday’s 16th stage from Bourg-de-Peage to Gap, more than 18 minutes behind winner Ruben Plaza, but still had to answer doping-related questions in the yellow jersey press conference. But the 30-year-old Briton suggested the treatment he gets is inconsistent with those of others when they enjoy success.

Of course I don’t really understand why now it seems to be such a hot topic. OK, I won one mountain top finish by 59 seconds - it just seems strange to me.

Chris Froome, the Team Sky leader

Froome has had urine thrown at him by a fan during the Tour, his Australian teammate Richie Porte was punched and others have been spat at, insulted and accused of doping. Froome has been particularly critical of certain TV commentators - notably French former riders Laurent Jalabert and Cedric Vasseur - for comments linking him to doping and cheating, which he feels has influenced the common fan. Team Sky are now planning to release part of Chris Froome’s power data as they seek to end the doping suspicions surrounding the Tour de France leader.

The top racer has never been liked in the history of the Tour de France. It was true with Jacques Anquetil, it was true with Eddy Merckx, and it’s being repeated now. But there must be a minimum of respect.

Tour director Christian Prudhomme, a former journalist

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