The Nairobi-born Chris Froome effortlessly wrote Britain's name in the history books of cycling, as the 30-year-old became the first Briton to lift the Tour de France on two occasions – 2013 and 2015, respectively.
The competition for the much-revered yellow jersey [rewarded to the leader of the General Classification] ended the moment Tony Martin of Germany had to end his campaign at the tour this year owing to a tragic crash at Stage 6, and Froome then played his part to get his hands on the jersey.
After the Briton bagged the yellow jersey in the following stage, Froome clung on to it for the remaining 14 stages to safely land it to his home after the completion of stage 21 yesterday in Paris.
Although the final stage had to be cut short due to rain, Froome safely reached the finish-line in Paris, commanding a minute and 12 seconds lead over Colombia's Nairo Quintana.
The 2013 TDF Champion had the perfect scope to land the yellow jersey home this year, and he stepped up to the challenge, and bossed the Tour de France.
"The yellow jersey has a long history. I've always respected and honored it. I've been proud of it every day I've had it. It's been long to reach this second win, step by step," Froome said.
"So many things have happened since we started in Holland. It's been stressful. We've had to fight, on the bike and off the bike. I feel better now because I I wanted this picture of the podium so badly. That's why I wake up every morning to go and train."
The dominance of Froome this year came to the limelight at Stage 10 of the tour, after he had an emphatic finish in the first summit of the tour at La Pierre-Saint-Martin.
He took his lead in the General Classification tally to almost three moments over American Tejay van Garderen (second-placed at that point in the GC tally). It was then only a matter of keeping the consistency, and Froome didn't look back.
"I want to start by thanking my team-mates, without you I would not be standing here. I give you my utmost respect and gratitude. This is your yellow jersey as much as it is mine. Thank you to the support team at Team Sky - your support has got me through the tough times," an emotional Froome continued.
"Thank you to my wife Michelle - your love and support are my motivation. The maillot jaune [yellow jersey - in French] is special, very special. I will always respect it and never dishonour it and I will always be proud to have won it.
"I'm unable to say if this victory is nicer than last one. Winning the Tour de France once is incredible. To be here a second time means a lot," the Briton added.
In the other major honours of the tour, Peter Sagan bagged the green jersey -- leader of the classification on points -- at this year's tour, while Quintana bagged the white jersey -- awarded to the best rider upto 25 years old. Frenchman Roman Bardet takes the jersey for being the most combative rider.
Froome also bagged the Polka dot jersey, given to the best climber.
Germany's Andre Greipel also left his lasting impact in the tour as he went on to win the stage honours on the final day, while Team Movistar bagged the best riding team of the tour this year -- awarded to top-three riders of a team with the lowest cumulative time.
