Chris Froome shows support for wildlife conservation

Tour de France general classification leader Chris Froome has shown his support for conservation organisation United For Wildlife by displaying a rhino on his race bike.

The Team Sky rider is one of a number of sporting figures to support the cause, including Andy Murray, David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton.

The 2013 Tour de France winner told his website: "As a boy growing up in Kenya and South Africa, I lived with rhinos, elephants and other wildlife. 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.

"My mechanic Gary Blem came up with the idea of putting the rhino images on my frame, and I thought it was a great way to highlight their plight. 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. Rhinos are such powerful animals, and like me, they charge with their heads down. That's what I feel like when I'm going for it on my bike, so I thought it was perfect symbol for that."

Head down & charge #TDF2015 #MaillotJaune Pic: @ridemediaHQ pic.twitter.com/i7FI3vyobJ

— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) July 17, 2015

The 30-year-old is almost three minutes ahead of nearest rival Tejay van Garderen in the race for the yellow jersey.