Chris Froome rounded on his critics after maintaining his commanding Tour de France lead through the Pyrenees.
The 30-year-old's Team Sky squad, with Richie Porte and Geraint Thomas to the fore, successfully nullified attempted attacks by Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintana on the 195-kilometres 12th stage from Lannemezan to Plateau de Beille on Thursday.
Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) won as Froome finished tenth alongside the main protagonists, protecting his advantage of 2:52 from Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing) on a stage which finished in torrential rain.
"These guys [Frome's media critics] are setting the tone for the public, for the fans. And in my opinion that is not correct" - Chris Froome
Froome has been subjected to innuendo and disparaging remarks following his dominant display on Tuesday's win at La Pierre-Saint-Martin and hit back on Thursday.
Among those pondering the legitimacy of Froome's performances - and he insists he is racing clean - are French commentators Laurent Jalabert and Cedric Vasseur, two former riders who both have their own historical questions to answer from an era where doping was rife.
"It's quite rich coming from cyclists like Jalabert and Vasseur to be commenting on my racing in such a way. I think it's really disappointing," the 2013 champion said.
"Those are the guys that a lot of people look up to. And here they are casting doubt on current cycling and a clean cyclist and a clean team.
"These guys are setting the tone for the public, for the fans. And in my opinion that is not correct."
The race now heads towards the Alps with Friday's 198.5km stage from Muret to Rodez.
It is a bumpy route, but there is a slim chance of a sprint finish and Mark Cavendish claiming a 27th Tour stage win.
