Chris Froome: I have not overstepped any boundaries

Speaking to Sky Sports, the 32-year-old said: “It has come as a huge shock to me, but at the same time, I know that within me I have fundamentally followed the protocol.”

He added: “I have not overstepped any boundaries.”

However Froome admitted the test, which was taken after Stage 18 of the Vuelta a Espana, was damaging to his reputation.

The comments followed a tweet by the Team Sky cyclist on Thursday in which he wrote: "It's sad seeing the misconceptions that are out there about athletes & salbutamol use. My hope is that this doesn't prevent asthmatic athletes from using their inhalers in emergency situations for fear of being judged. It is not something to be ashamed of."

Froome will be required to provide an explanation as to the finding or risks losing his Vuelta title.