LONDON: Britain’s newly-crowned three-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome is to return to the saddle next Sunday with a final warm-up for the Olympics in Rio. The 31-year-old Kenyan-born cyclist – who eased to a remarkable third win in the world’s greatest and toughest professional cycling race in Paris on Sunday – will take part in next weekend’s RideLondon-Surrey Classic, the organisers announced on Monday. Froome will ride in the road race and the time-trial in Rio and try to emulate compatriot Bradley Wiggins’ Tour and Olympic double from four years ago. Mick Bennett, the race director, said the rare sighting of Froome on British roads – his last appearance was in the 2014 Tour de France when England hosted the first three stages – would ensure a host of people would pour out of their homes and line the course. “We are thrilled to have Tour de France champion Chris Froome riding for Team Sky at this year’s RideLondon-Surrey Classic,” purred Bennett. “His performance over the last three weeks has enthralled the country and we are proud Chris has chosen the Classic as his last race before Rio. “Now British fans have the chance to watch him in action and cheer on the man who has achieved the incredible feat of three Tour de France wins. We expect thousands to come out and line the streets of London and Surrey.”