Paris: Britain’s four-time Tour de France champion cyclist Chris Froome was jeered by crowds at a presentation event for the 2018 edition of the race. As Team Sky – and Froome – were introduced to the crowds, they were met with boos and whistles alongside the clapping and cheering of fans. That was despite French rider Romain Bardet asking fans to show Froome and Sky respect. The arduous race starts Saturday.
Earlier this week, Froome’s anti-doping case was dropped by the UCI. He was under investigation for having more than the allowed level of legal asthma drug salbutamol in his urine.
Proceedings against Froome were dropped by cycling’s governing body, the UCI, following a nine-month investigation into his adverse test result given at last September’s Vuelta a Espana.
Froome had always maintained his innocence and his – and Sky’s – explanation for the adverse test result was accepted by the UCI, based on advice from WADA
A relieved Froome said after the event Thursday that he would only be satisfied with a fifth title here. However, an army of detractors, an array of talented rivals and a course that doesn’t suit him stand in the way of a record-equalling fifth title. Organisers are also worried that during the three-week race, Froome will face security threats and hence they have issued a plea to spectators to respect Froome and his Sky Team. Around 30,000 agents have been hired to cope with security concerns and deal with the ever-present risk of terrorism as well as protecting the riders.
“I’m just relieved to be racing, and want to draw a line in the sand now,” Froome told reporters. “All I aim is to conquer the course.”