Custom frame for Froome

In keeping with Chris Froome’s command over the yellow jersey, which looks stronger by the day, the Sky rider revealed custom artwork on his bike frame at the beginning of Stage 13.

Chris Froome unveiled his custom frame artwork ahead of Stage 13 (Getty Images) Source: Getty Images Europe

DESKTOP INTERACTIVE: Tour de France jargon buster

The frame of Froome’s Pinarello Dogma F8 has been transformed to include striking rhino logos, as well as customised flashes of yellow to mark his time in the iconic race leaders’ jersey.

The rhino graphics were specifically chosen as a nod to the British rider’s African heritage, and to show his commitment to the conservation of these animals. Froome is excited at becoming an ambassador for United for Wildlife, a partnership that unites seven of the world’s leading wildlife organisations in the battle against the illegal wildlife trade including poaching of rhinos.

Froome has joined a star-studded list of ambassadors, including David Beckham, Andy Murray and Lewis Hamilton, and hopes his new bike will help raise awareness about the many animals being poached to near-extinction around the world.

Take a closer look at team-mate Richie Porte's Pinarello Dogma F8 featuring a more traditional black stealth finish.

Froome has long been a passionate campaigner about the subject, and is privileged to be supporting a cause so close to his heart.

“As a boy growing up in Kenya and South Africa, I lived with rhinos, elephants and other wildlife,” said Froome. “These majestic creatures made a lasting impression on me and I'm thrilled to announce that I am becoming an ambassador for United for Wildlife. I've added a rhino to my bike to show my support.”

Froome credited his mechanic, Gary Blem for the idea and is clearly proud to use his time leading the world’s most iconic bike race to raise awareness about a cause that he is passionate about.

"There's a huge need to raise awareness about rhino and elephant poaching in Africa. If it continues at the rate that it is, we're going to lose these animals forever. If I want my child to enjoy wildlife the way I did, raising awareness for this cause is paramount.”

The rhino is also symbolic of the way Froome rides, adding extra motivation as the race makes its way to the Alps.

"Rhinos are such powerful animals, and like me, they charge with their heads down,” he said with a laugh. “That's what I feel like when I'm going for it on my bike, so I thought it was perfect symbol for that."

His first day on the new frame saw Froome comfortably sprint to sixth place to defend his yellow jersey on Stage 13, 198.5km from Muret to Rodez.

An uphill finish provided a thrilling between sprinters, general classification contenders and the day’s breakaway who were reeled in just before the finish line.  

Froome lead home the group of overall contenders, seven seconds back on stage winner Greg Van Avermaet (BMC). He holds his 2min 52sec advantage in the overall classification and leads the king of the mountains classification by nine points over Stage 12 winner, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha).