Team Sky | Pro Cycling | Team

Rider Profile

Chris Froome burst onto the scene by finishing runner up at the 2011 Vuelta a Espana, and since then has cemented his reputation as one of the best Grand Tour riders on the planet. At the 2012 Tour de France he and Bradley Wiggins achieved a remarkable one-two triumph for Team Sky, and Froome had also added an Olympic bronze medal to his collection before he rounded off the season with another top-four finish at the Vuelta.

The Kenyan-born Brit’s attacking style has seen him produce some of the most memorable stage victories of the last few seasons, like when he went toe-to-two with Juan Jose Cobo at the 2011 Vuelta, and then out-climbed Cadel Evans to win his first Tour stage on La Planche des Belles Filles in 2012. The world is his oyster again in 2013.

Q & A

Who inspired you to start cycling?
Cycling was my freedom from a young age.
First bike:
It was my brother's old bike which had a steel frame and shifters on the downtube.
First cycling club:
The Super C Cycling Academy in South Africa.
Childhood hero:
I really looked up to Jens Voigt and his aggressive style of racing. He was always in breakaways and driving them on.
What do you love most about cycling?
It's a way of de-stressing and it leaves you feeling good during and after the ride.
What keeps you going when you're on the limit?
I go into survival mode and tell myself that the other riders have to be feeling the same as I am.
What has cycling taught you?
That what you want to achieve can be achieved if you go about it the right way - plan, work hard and set appropriate goals.
What teams did you ride for before Team Sky?
2007 Konica-Minolta; 2008-09 Barloworld
Favourite race:
Although it doesn't really suit my style at the moment, I'd have to say Paris-Roubaix.
Favourite ride:
Mountain biking through the Kenyan bush. I've seen herds of elephants and plenty of other wildlife, but thankfully nothing too dangerous.
If you weren't a rider, what would you be?
I did an economics degree after school so I'd probably be behind a desk in an office somewhere.
Interests away from cycling:
I love being outdoors. Wildlife and sport in general

Favourite film:
Shawshank Redemption
Favourite music:
Coldplay
Who makes you laugh the most on Team Sky?
Bernie and Richie always come up with amusing lines and keep things light during training.
Best friend in the peloton:
Richie Porte
Favourite food:
My girlfriend's chocolate brownies
Most famous person you've met:
Nelson Mandela
Most embarrassing moment:
Crashing into a race marshall during the U23 World Championships in Salzburg.
Interesting fact:
As an eight-year old in Kenya, I used to sell avocados off the back of my bike for pocket money.
Best advice:
If you want something badly enough you'll find a way to make it happen.
Rider website:
www.chris-froome.com