In 2010, the Kenyan-born professional cyclist contracted the tropical disease schistosomiasis. A parasitic worm had taken up residence in his liver. 18 months later, the spindly climber was considered cured and went on to reach new heights in cycling: Second in the 2011 Vuelta, second in the 2012 Tour and triumphant in Paris last year.
Three days before the final, he had declared: "I have my performance back, but the illness is still in my body". Froome has had to overcome numerous health setbacks this season. He had to cancel Tirreno-Adriatico in March due to inflammation in his back. He had to miss Liège-Bastogne-Liège in April due to severe breathing problems - a bronchial disease was to blame.
As a result, Froome was only able to start - and win - the Tour de Romandie in Switzerland after he was granted an exemption to use a spray containing cortecoid. There were initially heated discussions about this until the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) clarified that the UCI, led by Briton Brian Cookson, had not committed any formal errors when issuing the exemption test.
At the Critérium du Dauphiné Tour dress rehearsal, the Sky captain was dealt another blow. Three days before the end of the tour, he overlooked a hole in the tarmac and crashed while wearing the yellow jersey. He suffered deep lacerations to his knee, elbow and buttocks and had to relinquish what he thought was certain overall victory. Now he feels fit, he reported after the medical examination before the start of the 101st Tour of France in Leeds/England.
Tour victory after overcoming life-threatening illnesses: This motto does not only apply to Froome. Former serial winner Lance Armstrong, who was stripped of all seven Tour victories due to doping, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996. After successful treatment, he embarked on his acclaimed hussar ride, albeit - as was subsequently proven - aided by illegal medication.
Alberto Contador was also on the brink of death. During the Tour of Asturias in May 2004, the two-time Tour winner, whose third success in 2010 had been disallowed due to doping, suffered an epileptic seizure and fell. Doctors diagnosed him with a cavernoma in his brain, which had to be surgically removed. A long scar across his head bears witness to this.
