With little fanfare, Froome cementing all-time greatness

LONDON - French cycling legend Bernard Hinault believes Chris Froome could target a sweep of all three Grand Tours next year - a feat previously assumed to be mission impossible in the sport.

That is what it might take, however, if Froome is to finally force himself into the wider consciousness of a British public still strangely nonplussed by his pedal prowess.

"Froome is definitely the champion of his generation," Hinault, who did the double in 1978, told The Times on Monday.