2018 Tour de France: Chris Froome ‘relieved’ to be cleared of doping by the UCI

Four-time winner is now set to compete in
the 105th Tour de France

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Last September the British star, 33, was found to have had twice
the permitted level of the asthma drug salbutamol in his system,
but Froome and his team denied any wrongdoing. A
sample collected during the Vuelta a España on 7 September was
“reported to contain a concentration of salbutamol in excess of
1000ng/ml”.

In a statement issued this morning, the Union
Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has confirmed that the case against
Froome has now been closed.

The statement read: “Whilst the
UCI would have obviously preferred the proceedings to have been
finalised earlier in the season, it had to ensure that Mr Froome
had a fair process, as it would have done with any other rider, and
that the correct decision was issued. Having received [the] World
Anti-Doping Agency’s [Wada] position on 28 June 2018, the UCI
prepared and issued its formal reasoned decision as quickly as
possible in the circumstances.

“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.”

In response to the news Froome tweeted: “Grateful and relieved to finally put
this chapter behind me, it has been an emotional 9 months. Thank
you to all of those who have supported and believed in me
throughout.”

‘I would never dishonour a winner’s
jersey’

Team Sky has also welcomed the UCI’s decision to clear its
rider. In his official statement Froome said: “I am very
pleased that the UCI has exonerated me. 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.

“I have never doubted that this case would be dismissed
for the simple reason that I have known throughout I did nothing
wrong. 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.”

Team principal Sir Dave Brailsford added: “We have always
had total confidence in Chris and his integrity. We knew that he
had followed the right medical guidance in managing his asthma at
the Vuelta and were sure that he would be exonerated in the end,
which he has been.

“This is why we decided that it was right for Chris to
continue racing, in line with UCI rules, while the process was
ongoing. We are pleased that it has now been resolved.”

The
105th Tour de France starts on Saturday 7 July. It is made up of 21
stages and will cover 3,351 kilometres.