Froome, born in Kenya to British parents, seems to have the 'Greg Rusedski' about him- in that some do not appear to identify with him due to his lack of a natural British upbringing. But Rusedski won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1997 despite only reaching the US Open final. Froome has a Tour de France title, and were it not for team orders last year, would probably be sitting on two right now.
Bradley Wiggins' victory 12 months ago was epic. It was the unthinkable- a Brit crossing the line, in Paris, wearing the maillot jaune. It was the pinnacle of his career, and something sports fans in this country never thought they'd see- even an England World Cup victory or a homeboy lifting the Wimbledon trophy seemed a likelier pathway to national delight. Of course one of those has since happened, but for his historical achievement, 'Sir Wiggo' is lionised in these parts. A national icon, with a colourful personality. However, was his Tour victory all that impressive in cycling terms, when, as a fan of the sport, we don our analytical caps?
Of course, any Tour de France success takes phenomenal character, mental strength, skill and physical endurance, and Wiggins certainly proved himself. However it could be argued that the team won it for him in many ways, aside from his time trialling. Two world class TTs blew rivals out of the water, but on the mountain stages, where his climbing abilities are not the most natural, the Sky supporting cast protected him in a defensive shut-out. It was cycling's own version of catenaccio, in a field that was missing Andy Schleck (injured) and Alberto Contador (banned)
And this is not disrespecting what Wiggins accomplished, but Froome was a key man in controlling that peloton, and his feats this year have certainly added water to the theory that if Dave Brailsford had given permission for him to attack Wiggins, he may have left him behind on France's highest peaks, and won the title instead. Still, you could say it has all worked out for the best, with both men's names in the pantheon having conquered the world's most famous bicycle race. I must say it is rather disappointing that Wiggins himself has yet to publicly congratulate his teammate, or even show up in Paris after everything Froome did to aid his quest in 2012.
Because of the factors I have explained earlier though, this has meant less enthusiasm for Froome's bid this year. Wiggins withdrew from his Giro d'Italia bid halfway through through injury and illness, and withdrew from this year's Tour, leaving his teammate as the undisputed lead rider. But unlike the catenaccio of last year, this year has been the Tele Santana. Sure, Sky's lead rider has demonstrated his own time trial excellence- it seems so simple to forget he won bronze in the Olympic time trial that Wiggins won last year. But the clearest contrast between the two is that in the mountains 'FroomeDog' has been aggressive, swashbuckling and powerful, the most notable display of these traits coming when he produced a stunning ascent up Mont Ventoux to leave his rivals, such as Alberto Contador, trailing in his wake. Put it this way, if Wiggins had done it, they'd be playing it on loop at least once every day somewhere on British television.
Of course, Mont Ventoux was once the property of a certain Lance Armstrong. Perhaps the fact this was the first tour since the disgraced American's doping programme was outed publicly, was always going to make this a scrutinised Tour for the man holding yellow. But results such as that (Froome's time on this peak was only two seconds less than an EPO-ridden Armstrong's), are shock and awe. Hopefully, and although we cannot be certain, this is the story of a clean, likeable rider finally obtaining some long overdue respect, and bringing some good publicity back to a sport in need of genuine heroes. He did his job last year in assisting history, this year he has been rewarded by winning, and doing it in style. While 'Wiggo' will always capture more attention here, I hope Chris Froome is now appreciated as a great champion, and ambassador for sport.
And after the manner of this year's triumph, who's to bet against him adding more Grand Tour titles in the future? Wiggins may return, but he is not the more naturally talented all-rounder of the two, not even close. Only the time trial is in his favour. There may be fireworks, but it will be a fascinating watch. Either way, the country has two road cycling heroes, and they deserve equal acclaim- from one and all.
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