'Froome the hero we need'

's father said the newly crowned Tour de France champion is the perfect personality to restore cycling's battered reputation.

Froome, 28, became Britain's second successive winner of the prestigious race when he crossed the finishing line in Paris on Sunday, following Bradley Wiggins's success last year.

But with the Lance Armstrong doping scandal still fresh in the minds of many, Froome has had to fend off some awkward questions on the subject of drug cheats, particularly after his victory on stage 15 on top of Mont Ventoux.

But the Kenya-born Team Sky rider has repeatedly spoken out against the use of drugs, and Clive Froome believes his son could help convince doubters that cycling is entering a new clean era.

"I can remember sending him an SMS after the press conference after his victory on Mont Vonteux the next morning, saying I really couldn't believe the extent to which, rather than congratulate him, the media there were pointing fingers and bringing up the issue again," Froome's dad said yesterday.

"He's been passionately opposed to the use of drugs ever since he was an adolescent.

"I think he really feels this year it could be a landmark for cycling.

"He's felt pretty indignant about the aspersions cast in his direction and I think he feels that with so many young riders, young clean riders, achieving positions in this year's Tour that it may be a turning point for cycling, which cycling so badly needs.

"And I think the cycling community will probably support him in that and continue to drive out those malevolent individuals who possibly quietly still use drugs on the side."

Froome's father also hopes his son's success can have a positive effect on the sport in Africa.

The Tour champion spent his childhood learning to ride in Nairobi before moving to South Africa as a teenager.

And with South African Daryl Impey also enjoying success in the early stages of this year's Tour, Froome's father expects a surge of interest in the sport in Africa.