FROOME’S LE VILLAIN
Chris Froome booed at Tour de France team presentation despite end to drug investigation
Team Sky rider gets taste of frosty reception he can expect over the next few weeks
CHRIS FROOME was booed by irate cycling fans at the Tour de France team presentation.
The Team Sky rider received a frosty reception in La Roche-sur-Yon ahead of Saturday’s opening stage in Noirmoutier-en-l’lle.
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The four-time champion, 33, was cleared of doping allegations on Monday and is free to defend his Yellow Jersey.
When he won in 2015 he was spat at and had urine thrown over him by angry Tour supporters.
Froome’s rival Romain Bardet has urged fans not to attack the Brit.
The Frenchman, 27, said: “Chris Froome is a former Tour winner and a serious contender for the next title.
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“I hope this race will be played out on a fair-play basis and we speak more about sport than security.
“I trust the French people, they are clever people and I hope they are there to support all the riders and provide a fair atmosphere.”
Speaking to the BBC, Froome said how relieved he was at being cleared.
He said: "Everyone wanted this to be resolved before the Tour so this is a huge weight off my shoulders.
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"The last nine months have been really difficult for me and my family and my colleagues.
“It's great for everyone involved and great for the sport that we can put those answers to bed now and get on with the bike racing."
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