Froome free to defend Tour after being cleared of doping violation
Four-times Tour de France champion Chris Froome looks set to compete in the 2018 event after being cleared of an anti-doping violation that showed twice the permitted concentration of an asthma medication in his system.
"I am very pleased that the UCI has exonerated me," Froome said in a statement issued from Team Sky. "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."
Froome was given the OK by the International Cycling Union in a decision that should allow him to pursue a record-tying title later this week.
Froome had been racing under the cloud of a potential ban after a urine sample he provided at the Spanish Vuelta in September 2017 showed a concentration of the asthma drug salbutamol that was twice the permitted level.
A UCI statement said: "Froome's sample results do not constitute an AAF (Adverse Analytical Finding)," adding that it has decided "to close the proceedings against Mr Froome."
The Tour begins Saturday and – before the UCI statement was provided – race organisers were reportedly denying him entry.
"I have never doubted that this case would be dismissed for the simple reason that I have known throughout I did nothing wrong," Froome said.
"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."
Reuters