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Britain's Chris Froome claimed his fourth Tour de France on Sunday, winning for the third straight year in cycling's most prestigious race. The 32-year-old Froome finished 54 seconds overall ahead of Colombian Rigoberto Uran for the smallest margin of the Team Sky rider's wins.
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"I'm speechless, it's amazing," Froome said after getting off his bike and hugging his wife and son.
Frenchman Romain Bardet, also runner-up last year, placed 2 minutes, 20 seconds behind in third place. Spaniard Mikel Landa, who is Froome's teammate, was denied a podium spot by just one second. Italian Fabio Aru finished fifth.
Froome (86 hours, 20 minutes, 55 seconds) was always in control over the three-week race. He is now one title behind Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spain's Miguel Indurain and French duo Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault. The disgraced Lance Armstrong's seven titles have been erased from the record book.
"Each time I have won has been so unique, such a different battle to get to this moment," Froome, who also won in in 2013, 2015 and 2016, said afterwards. "They are all so special but this will be remembered as the closest and most hard fought."
Sunday's 21st stage is mostly a ceremonial 64-mile ride into Paris before finishing on the Champs-Elysees. Dylan Groenewegen of the Netherlands sprinted to victory in the final stage in two hours, 25 minutes, 39 seconds.
"The Champs-Elysees never disappoints, there is something magical when you have spent three weeks thinking about this moment, it's just so rewarding every time," Froome said.
