Team Sky hit out at ‘uneducated’ Bernard Hinault over strike comments

Froome tested positive for excessive levels of the asthma drug Salbutamol following a urine sample at last year's Vuelta a Espana but denies any wrongdoing.

Hinault has previously said that Froome should not have been allowed to compete at the Giro d'Italia, which he won to complete a Grand Tour grand slam.

Team Sky have now released a statement addressing Hinault’s comments, calling them 'uneducated'.

“It is disappointing that Bernard Hinault has, once again, repeated factually incorrect comments about a case he clearly does not understand," Team Sky said in a press release.

“His comments are irresponsible and ill-informed. Chris has not had a positive test, rather an adverse analytical finding for a prescribed asthma medication. As an ex-rider himself, Bernard will appreciate the need for fairness for each and every athlete. And at the current time, Chris is entitled to race.

“This process would normally be confidential to protect the athlete and establish the facts. Unfortunately, it was leaked. However, both Chris and the team are following the process that has been put in place by the UCI.

“It is clearly a difficult situation which no one wants resolved more quickly than Chris and the team.

The Tour starts on Saturday July 7.