'He doesn't want the pity' - Chris Froome silenced 'demons' to take third on Alpe d’Huez at Tour de France

Bradley Wiggins has heralded “the return of Chris Froome” after the Brit rolled back the years to deliver a sensational third place on Alpe d’Huez at the Tour de France. Froome (Israel–Premier Tech) had failed to crack the top 10 in any race since his freak high-speed crash in 2019, but starred in a breakaway alongside eventual winner Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) for his finest moment in years on the iconic climb. Ad/> The 37-year-old was in contention for victory until Pidcock launched for home with 10.5km remaining on Thursday’s Stage 12, with Froome gamely following along with Louis Meintjes (Intermarche–Wanty–Gobert Materiaux).

Tour de FrancePidcock wins atop Alpe d’Huez, Froome third, Vingegaard defends yellow2 HOURS AGO Ultimately, the tempo from Pidcock proved too much as Froome trailed home 2’06” in arrears, but over a minute clear of a stellar GC cast including yellow hopefuls Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates). And Wiggins, who was supported by Froome as he ended Britain's wait for a Tour champion in 2012, saluted his former team-mate. “That was the return of Chris Froome,” said Wiggins.

“That’s testament to all the hard work and the sacrifice him and his family have been through these last couple of years.” While Froome has clung onto the belief that he can win a record-equalling fifth yellow jersey, he has faced a barrage of cynicism from those who believe his best days are firmly in the past. “He doesn’t want the pity,” said Robbie McEwen, a 12-time stage winner at the Tour, on The Breakaway. “But you can channel that the way you want and say, ‘people don’t think I can’.