Sky release Chris Froome’s riding data to try to fend off doping speculation
British leader has been subject of allegations in French media that he is not riding clean
The team of Tour de France leader Chris Froome bowed to pressure Tuesday and released data about his riding power, heart rate and pedaling rhythm, hoping to quell speculation about doping ahead of an increasingly likely victory in Paris.
On the Tour’s second rest day, Team Sky presented the figures after comments on French TV raised questions about Froome’s performance and incidents in which spectators have booed, spat upon and thrown urine on the rider and his teammates – behaviour attributed in part to the unfounded speculation about his speed on the way to victory in Stage 10.
With a 3 minute, 10 second lead on his closest rival, and his mountain-climbing nearly unparalleled, Froome said he’s in “a great place” as the three-week race resumes Wednesday with Stage 17’s 161-kilometre jaunt over four climbs from Digne-les-Bains to an uphill finish at Pra Loup mountain resort.
It’s the start of four grueling days in the Alps. The climax comes Saturday with an uphill finish at Alpe d’Huez, a day before a largely ceremonial ride for the race winner on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
Froome said his team wants to address doubts about Sky’s performances with the release of his rider data.
“I’m not sure if numbers are going to fix everything, but certainly I feel as a team and myself, we’re definitely trying to be as open and transparent as possible,” he said.
