Froome wins Tour de Romandie

Chris Froome defended his Tour de Romandie after a thrilling individual time trial last stage. The reigning Tour de France winner outrace ITT specialist Tony Marticn by one second to clinch the first position in the general classification.

Simon Spilak was second in the general classification at 28 seconds and Rui Alberto da Costa at one minute and 32 seconds. After winning the Tour de Romandie for a second consecutive time, Froome said he is band on schedule to retain his “Grand Boucle”.

“It was a very different Tour of Romandie than what we had last year, but I'm really happy with my condition and again this is a crucial time building up for the Tour de France. I wouldn't go as far as saying whoever wins the Tour de Romandie, wins the Tour de France, but it's definitely a good sign and a sign that I'm on track for being ready for the tour,” said Froome.

For the last three years, whoever won the Tour de Romandie, won the Tour de France also. In 2011 it was Cadel Evans, a year after Bradley Wiggins and in 2013 it was Chris Froome.

The 2014 Tour de France departs exactly in two months from Leeds and will arrive at a stop 3,655 kilometer and 23 days after in Paris.