Tour de France - "Gave everything": Froome proud after third place in Alpe d'Huez

After his unexpected third place on the queen stage of the 109th Tour de France, British cycling star Chris Froome was proud of his performance.

"I felt better and better. I tried my luck and gave it my all. I have no regrets," said the 37-year-old after the 165.1 kilometre twelfth stage with the finish in Alpe d'Huez. Froome had finished behind his British compatriot and stage winner Thomas Pidcock and the South African Louis Meintjes.

The four-time Tour winner suffered a devastating crash at the Tour of the Dauphiné in June 2019 and broke several bones. The continuation of his career was seriously up for debate. Until Thursday, Froome had never come close to his former level of performance. However, the veteran had always emphasised that he was still making progress.

Stage winner Pidcock praised Froome's performance. "He's a legend," said the Olympic mountain bike champion. "He may not be as fast as he used to be, but he's still a great." As part of a maximum nine-man breakaway group, Froome rode aggressively and was even in front on the 13.8 kilometre final climb before Pidcock launched the decisive attack.

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