Froome’s crowning moment, of course, came just a month later – his phenomenal victory in the 100th Tour de France. The margin of his win, 4’20” clear of second-placed Nairo Quintana, suggests an annihilation of his rivals, which arguably was true, but it was far from easy for the Team Sky man. He showed mental strength to withstand the repeated attacks of Quintana when isolated on stage nine, and revealed his attacking nature with two stunning mountain top victories. He excelled against the clock in the two individual time trials, taking a convincing victory on the 32km mountain test on stage 17 from Embrun to Chorges.
When he blasted to victory on Ax 3 Domaines he appeared simply untouchable, leaving his stunned rivals trailing in his wake as he soloed to victory and into the yellow jersey. The following weekend he did the same on Mont Ventoux, powering beyond Nairo Quintana to win on one of the Tour’s most iconic climbs. When he won the mountainous time trial in stage 17, you could see from Alberto Contador’s face, Froome had wiped any last glimmer of hope from the Spaniard. It was not just the victory, but the nature of it which makes it stand out. Froome was simply untouchable in France on the greatest stage of all.
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