Chris Froome beaten into second in post-Tour criterium; still wins big hat and bigger beer

Froome leaves his sprint at home at post-Tour crit

Chris Froome, Oliver Naesen, and Thomas De Gendt enjoy a few beers

(Image credit: KRISTOF VAN ACCOM/AFP/Getty Images)

Less than 24 hours after crossing the line on the Champs-Élysées to win his fourth Tour de France, Chris Froome was in the slightly less glamourous surroundings of Aalst, Belgium for the first of the traditional post-Tour criteriums.

Having enjoyed a victory party in Paris on Sunday night, hot-footed it to the UK for an interview with Sky Sports on Monday morning, then made it back across the Channel for the race on Monday evening, Froome might not have been at his best, but still, somehow, managed to make it into the winning break with Belgian champion Oliver Naesen and Thomas De Gendt.

>>> Chris Froome conformed for Vuelta a España on back of Tour de France victory

No doubt the organisers were very pleased to see three such high-profile riders at the front of their race, with Naesen defeating Froome, resplendent in his yellow jersey, in the final sprint for the line.

The good news for all three riders was that they all received the same fine prizes on the podium. Namely a giant hat courtesy of race sponsor Napoleon Games, and a good few litres of Malheur beer. Perfect preparation for the start of Froome's assault on the Vuelta.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.