Several hundred riders turned up at University of Southampton on Saturday afternoon after double Tour de France champion Chris Froome announced on Twitter that he was going for a ride in the area.
Froome invited any local riders in the vicinity to join him for a spin, and despite the short notice hundreds turned up to meet the Team Sky leader.
Froome went to the the University of Southampton for wind tunnel testing after receiving his OBE at Buckingham Palace on Friday.
>>> Live in Southampton? Head down to the University to ride with Chris Froome this afternoon
“Anyone keen for a short ride with me around Southampton his afternoon?” Froome posted on the social media site at 10am. He later posted a map showing the start location of the ride and start time of 3pm.
Anyone keen for a short ride with me around Southampton this afternoon? 🚴🚴🚴 #RideWithFroomey
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) May 14, 2016
Heading out at 3pm 🚴 #RideWithFroomey #Southampton pic.twitter.com/ktzy0fs0iu
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) May 14, 2016
Wow! So many people came out to #RideWithFroomey this afternoon. Thank you Southampton! 👏🏼🚴🏼 #LoveCycling pic.twitter.com/VUCri3YEjd
— Team Sky 🚲 (@TeamSky) May 14, 2016
According to local newspaper, the Southern Daily Echo, only around 30 riders managed to complete the ride with Froome by the time they reached Winchester Cathedral.
After posing with people for photos, signing autographs and chatting to riders, Froome thanked everyone for turning up.
“Thank you to everyone who came out to ride with me in Southampton today, great day out!”
Froome is aiming for a third Tour de France title in July before joining Team GB at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in early August to take part in the road race and time trial.
