I am no cheat like Armstrong: Froome

Tour de France leader’s performance raises suspicions.

AVIGNON: Tour de France leader Chris Froome slammed critics who believe he could be following in the footsteps of Lance Armstrong after his stunning win on Mont Ventoux.

“To compare me with Lance ... Lance cheated, I’m not cheating and that’s the end of story,” said the British rider.

Froome reinforced his grip on the race leader’s yellow jersey, with an impressive win on the fabled climb to claim his second mountaintop stage victory of this year’s 100th edition.

But the Kenyan-born Briton’s performance raised suspicions — and prompted comparisons with Armstrong, who saw his record seven Tour titles removed for doping.

“I just think it’s quite sad that we’re sitting here the day after the biggest victory of my life talking about doping,” said Froome.

“Quite frankly ... my teammates and I have spent months away from home, slept [at high altitude] on volcanoes to get ready for this race ... training together, just working really hard.

“And here I am, sitting here being accused of being a cheat and a liar. That’s just not cool.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2013.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.