Did Chris Froome win the Tour de France on his way to the summit of Ax 3 Domaines?
In another race, such a performance, and with it the annihilation of his rivals, would perhaps have been enough to cement a greater triumph.
Le Tour, however, is a different animal, a challenge unequalled in sport, and with over two weeks of racing remaining, it is unlikely that Froome’s task is complete.
Tomorrow will bring five climbs, four of them of the first rank, and a second day of turmoil for those who hogged the limelight in the flatter, opening stages.
Today, however, belonged unquestionably to Froome. Only his young British team-mate, Peter Kennaugh, produced a performance to be mentioned in the same breath as Froome’s demolition job.
Stefano Sirotti was on hand to capture the highlights of the first mountain stage of the hundredth Tour de France.
