Latest news from the cycling world have to do with one of the biggest doping cases in the sport involving four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome and his adverse analytical finding during last year’s Vuelta a Espana where his urine indicated twice the allowed amount of salbutamol.
Yesterday, the UCI, after a long investigation period, has finally come up with a decision and has cleared Chris Froome of his doping case, allowing him to enter this week’s Tour de France and fight for a fifth title.
The decision the UCI took on Monday, July the 2nd, is now Froome’s green card to continue racing without any concern and he gets to keep the titles he won after the adverse analytical finding, last seaons’ Vuelta a espana and last month’s Giro d’Italia.
“Froome’s sample results do not constitute an Adverse Analytical Finding and we will close the proceedings against Mr Froome,” an official UCI statement said.
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. pic.twitter.com/OGzsg83Gjj
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) July 2, 2018
A well-documented matter
According to Froome’s representatives and Team, his use of the asthma medication has been well documented throughout the years and everyone knows his asthma problems after seeing him using inhalers during different races.
According to the World Anti-Doping Association, an athlete can be immediately cleared for excessive use of salbutamol if he/she proves that the reason behind its usage was purely therapeutic and in a normal dosage.
“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.
The UCI’s statement went further on to say that they understand that their decision might spark debates and discussion on the matter.
“The UCI 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 said yesterday.
“The UCI hopes that the cycling world can now turn its focus to, and enjoy, the upcoming races on the cycling calendar.”
Team Sky have welcomed the decision by the UCI to dismiss the case against Chris Froome.
? > https://t.co/1O2QdOGDR9 pic.twitter.com/FU3GYoW5o4
— Team Sky (@TeamSky) July 2, 2018
