Chris Froome has insisted that cycling fans can trust the vast majority of modern-day riders despite the spectre of doping continuing to haunt the Tour de France.

The Team Sky rider's strong performance at this year's event - he leads by over three minutes after Sunday's stage 15 - have prompted a sceptical reaction from sections of the public and media.

But the 2013 Tour champion remains adamant that he and the vast majority of his Tour rivals are riding clean. 

"Times have changed - everyone knows that. This isn't the Wild West that it was 10, 15 years ago," Froome said.

"Of course, there are still going to be riders who take risks [with performance-enhancing drugs] in this day and age, but they are the minority. 

"It was the other way round 10, 15 years ago. There is no reason in this day and age for that level or suspicion to continue. 

"There is absolutely no reason."

Froome went on to praise the behaviour of the crowd during Sunday's stage which provided a welcome contrast to the shameful events of Saturday, when a spectator hurled a cup of urine and shouted "doper!" at the British rider.

"It was a full-gas stage today, incident-free and there was a great atmosphere out on the road," he added.

"The fans and supporters who are out on the roads - the thousands and thousands of people - they are the heart and soul of this race.

"It's great to be received in that way and have that kind of really positive energy from everyone."