After his unexpected third place on the queen stage of the 109th Tour de France, British cycling star Chris Froome was proud of his achievement.
“I felt better and better. I tried my luck and gave it my all. I don’t regret anything,” said the 37-year-old after the 165.1-kilometer twelfth stage ending in Alpe d’Huez. Froome was behind his British Compatriot and winner of the day Thomas Pidcock and South African Louis Meintjes crossed the finish line.
The four-time Tour winner fell devastatingly on the Dauphiné tour in June 2019 and broke several bones. The continuation of his career was seriously up for debate. As of Thursday, Froome had never come close to his old capacity. However, the veteran had always emphasized that he was still making progress.
Stage winner Pidcock praised Froome’s performance. “He’s a legend,” said the mountain bike Olympic champion. “He may not be as fast as he used to be, but he’s still big.” As part of a breakaway group of no more than nine, Froome drove offensively and was even ahead on the final 13.8-kilometer climb before Pidcock made the decisive attack.