ANDORRA LA VELLA, Andorra — Chris Froome is finally receiving acclaim from fans alongside the roads of the Tour de France.
The British rider with Team Sky has been widely applauded and even lauded for his “panache” after pulling off a surprise downhill attack to take the yellow jersey.
It’s quite a turnaround from last year, when Froome was booed, spat upon, and had urine thrown on him.
“Certainly. The atmosphere out on the road has been fantastic,” Froome said on Monday on the race’s first rest day. “The crowds have been great, none of that silly nonsense that we had last year at all so far.”
When Froome won the Tour in 2013 and 2015, he was not only suspected of doping, but also criticized for riding in an overly calculated manner with little creativity. That changed with Saturday’s daring descent and stage win in the Pyrenees.
“My main focus is obviously the race. But if it’s entertaining at the same time then great,” Froome said.
“I’m not going to change my racing just for entertainment stake. I’m going to do whatever I can to try and win the race.”
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