Hoy: Froome's victory is monumental

Chris Froome's Tour de France victory is a "huge achievement" while Britain's back-to-back wins in the event are "monumental", six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy said.

Froome, 28, held more than a five-minute lead heading into the final stage of the epic thee-week road race, meaning he would not be challenged on the traditional procession into Paris.

It means that Britain has scored the impressive feat of producing two riders who have won the Tour de France in consecutive years, with first Sir Bradley Wiggins and now Froome.

"It is a huge achievement and I almost feel sorry for Chris because people are almost getting blasé about it," Hoy said

"People think it is another British winner so that is what we should expect. But if you take a step back and get some perspective, you can see what a monumental achievement it is for him to have done this."

Speaking at the National Lottery Anniversary Run at London's Olympic Stadium, he said: "For Britain to have two riders winning the Tour de France back-to-back is fantastic for British cycling.

"Just a few years ago we did not have anyone who could podium, but now we have two cyclists who can win the Tour in consecutive years. It is a phenomenal achievement and what Chris has done is phenomenal."

Wiggins pulled out of this year's race through injury, meaning that his fellow Team Sky rider Froome immediately became the hot favourite to bring home the honours.

Hoy said: "I think it would have been lovely to have seen Bradley racing this year and it would have been fantastic to see both him and Chris competing. Last year was Bradley's year and this year is Chris'."