Froome wins Giro d’Italia for Grand Tour treble amid doping probe
Rome, Italy: Britain's Chris Froome completed a sensational comeback to win the Giro d'Italia on Sunday for a rare Grand Tour treble which could be in danger if he is sanctioned by anti-doping authorities.
Froome, 33, became the first Briton to win the race in the Giro's 101-year history after a 115km closed circuit race through the streets of the Italian capital.
But his presence was not without controversy as he was competing despite an ongoing investigation after returning an adverse analytical finding during his Tour of Spain win last year.
His triumph on Rome's Imperial Forums, where Ireland's Sam Bennett took the 21st and final stage, capped a long chaotic journey for the Briton.
From the departure in Jerusalem, a historical novelty of this Giro, to the Alps of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, the four-time Tour de France winner endured what he called "the greatest battle of my career".
Sitting fourth overall three days before the finish, Froome seized the race leader's pink jersey on Friday after capping a 80km solo breakaway with a stage win, and held it all the way to Rome.
Froome is now the reigning champion in all three of cycling's Grand Tours — the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and Tour of Spain — and becomes only the third rider to achieve the feat after Belgian Eddy Merckx (1972-73) and France's Bernard Hinault (1982-83).
"I'm still pinching myself. I can't believe I'm here," said Froome. "This is the dream to have all three jerseys in the space of ten months. It's an incredible feeling."
