Chris Froome plotting independent tests to rebuff doping claims

The majority of riders have their minds fully honed on completing a sapping Tour, but Froome’s attention has again been diverted after his power data was leaked on YouTube and social media.

Team Sky boss Dave Brailsford suggested it was a computer hack from critics hoping to prove the 2013 champion was using performance-enhancing drugs.

And the murmurs of wrongdoing intensified when Froome tore to a staggering stage 10 victory atop La Pierre-Saint-Martin, extending his lead to two minutes and 52 seconds.

“What haven’t I done? I’ve tried to be as much as a spokesman as I can for clean cycling,” Froome said.

“I’ve spoken to the CIRC [Cycling Independent Reform Condition], I’ve made suggestions to the governing body to implement things like night-time testing. I’ve pointed out when I’ve felt there hasn’t been enough testing, in places like Tenerife. What else is a clean rider supposed to do?”

Froome reiterated that he was a clean rider and suggested he was not being afforded enough respect for his accomplishments.

“It doesn’t make me angry,” Froome added. “It would be a different story if I had something to hide. I know I’m a clean rider. I know I’ve worked extremely hard to be in this position. I’m really proud of that.

“I do understand where the questions are coming from, the history of the sport and the people before me who have won the Tour.

“I am sympathetic, but at the same time there needs to be a certain level of respect also. I’ve worked extremely hard to get here. I’m not going to let anyone take that away from me.”

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong was one of many people to wade into the debate – adding fuel to it while stopping short of accusations.