Froome wins Tour de France
JOBURG - Former student at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and St John's College, Chris Froome, has emerged victorious at the Tour de France.
Froome won the 100th Tour by a margin of four minutes and 20 seconds, beating Colombia’s Nairo Quintana.
A Kenya-born roadie, Froome races for British professional outfit Team Sky.
He became a major contender for Tour de France after his compatriot, Bradley Wiggins, pulled out of this year’s Tour due to injury. Wiggins won the prestigious event last year.
Prior to his participation at the cycling competition, UJ cycling manager Karel Mouton sang praises of Froome, describing him as a very modest, mild-mannered and shy student.
“He is very determined and followed advice and training suggestions to the letter,” said Mouton.
Mouton added, “During his student years, there was seldom an occasion when I found him at home when I called. He was always alone on his bike around Hekpoort, Randfontein, Hartbeespoort Dam or Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, and he taught himself to climb mountains.”
Froome’s victory has been hailed as a monumental achievement, and British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted to praise him, saying, “A brilliant win by Chris Froome.”
