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Chris Froome became the first Briton to win the Tour de France twice when he cruised to the finish line in Paris on Sunday at the end of the three-week race. The 30-year-old Froome, riding for Team Sky, won his second Tour in three years as he was cheered on the Champs-Elysees. The 2013 champion finished Stage 21 behind a bunch sprint won by Andre Greipel of Germany.
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Froome beat Colombia's Nairo Quintana to the yellow jersey by 72 seconds with Spain's Alejandro Valverde third.
An emotional Froome promised in his winner's speech never to dishonor the yellow jersey in a sport that has been tarnished by previous dope cheaters, including Lance Armstrong.
"The Maillot Jaune is special, very special," Froome said, using the jersey's French name. "I understand its history, good and bad. I will always respect it."
Froome said he plans to keep racing at least another six years.
"I love the sacrifices, the training, the hard work," Froome said. "That's what gets me out of bed in the mornings. I'm not trying to do it for a specific amount of Tour titles or fame. I love riding my bike. I love pushing my body to the limit. I love the freedom that cycling gives you."
Froome held off a succession of attacks from Quintana during Saturday's stage to take the 72-second lead into the final leg through Paris, which was effectively enough to secure him his second title in the 112-year-old race.
"He's a great rival," Quintana said of Froome. "He suffered a lot to win."
