Kenyan-born British professional road racing cyclist and former University of Johannesburg (UJ) student, Chris Froome, won the 100th Tour de France title, finishing more than four minutes ahead of his closest rival in the overall standings.
The 28-year old, who learned to ride on dirt tracks in Kenya, crossed the finish line in Paris, this year, together with his British Team Sky colleagues to become the second Briton to win the title in consecutive years and the first African-born cyclist to ever win the race.
“In 2005, Froome enrolled at UJ for entrepreneurial management and now serves as a special inspiration for the UJ squad,” said UJ cycling manager Karel Mouton, who remembered Froome as a very modest, mild mannered and shy student. “He was also very determined and followed advice and training suggestions to the letter.”
“During his student years, there was seldom an occasion when I found him at home when I called. He spent a lot of time on his bike in areas such as Hekpoort, Randfontein, Hartbeespoort Dam or Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve” said Mouton.
Although the all-rounder put his studies on hold in 2007 to pursue a pro racing career, Mouton said Froome could still be found riding the highways of Gauteng during his annual Christmas visit.
