Chris Froome cleared from salbutamol case, free to race in Tour de France
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Updated 02/07/2018 at 10:44 GMT
Chris Froome is free to compete in the Tour de France after being cleared of wrongdoing following an adverse drugs test – just 24 hours after it was claimed Tour organisers ASO were set to block him from racing.
Tour de France 2017, Chris Froome (Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
The 33-year-old was investigated by the UCI after returning a urine sample with double the permitted level of asthma medication salbutamol at last year’s La Vuelta.
However, cycling’s governing body and WADA have finally ruled that it "does not constitute an AAF (adverse analytical finding)", meaning Froome will keep his Vuelta title plus his maglia rose from the Giro d’Italia in June.
"I am very pleased that the UCI has exonerated me," Froome, who has always maintained his innocence, said in a statement released by Team Sky.
While this decision is obviously a big deal for me and the team, it’s also an important moment for cycling. I understand the history of this great sport – good and bad. I have always taken my leadership position very seriously and I always do things the right way. I meant it when I said that I would never dishonour a winner’s jersey and that my results would stand the test of time.
On Sunday, a report from Le Monde stated that ASO did not want the saga damaging their reputation and were planning to prevent Froome from signing into the race.
Team Sky immediately appealed the verdict, with a decision not expected until Wednesday, but it now appears proceedings will be unnecessary.
The verdict is bound to further fuel cycling's legion of doubters – led by five-time Tour winner Bernard Hinault, who called for the peloton to strike if Froome raced in France prior to Monday's announcement – as the UCI moved to address the concerns:
The UCI understands that there will be significant discussion of this decision, but wishes to reassure all those involved in or interested in cycling that its decision is based on expert opinions, WADA’s advice, and a full assessment of the facts of the case. The UCI hopes that the cycling world can now turn its focus to, and enjoy, the upcoming races on the cycling calendar.
Froome’s bid to join Hinault on a record-equalling five yellow jerseys begins in Noirmoutier on Saturday.
"I have never doubted that this case would be dismissed for the simple reason that I have known throughout I did nothing wrong," he added.
"I have suffered with asthma since childhood. I know exactly what the rules are regarding my asthma medication and I only ever use my puffer to manage my symptoms within the permissible limits.
"Of course, the UCI had to examine these test results from the Vuelta. Unfortunately, the details of the case did not remain confidential, as they should have done. And I appreciate more than anyone else the frustration at how long the case has taken to resolve and the uncertainty this has caused. I am glad it’s finally over.
"I am grateful for all the support I have had from the team and from many fans across the world. Today’s ruling draws a line. It means we can all move on and focus on the Tour de France."
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