Chris Froome cleared of failed drugs test and can compete in Tour de France 2018

Chris Froome has been cleared of giving an adverse analytical finding for salbutamol, meaning he retains his 2017 Vuelta a Espana title and is free to race in this month’s Tour de France.

The Union Cycliste Internationale [UCI] issued a statement on Monday morning to announce that four-time Tour de France winner Froome has been cleared of any wrongdoing, with the World Anti-Doping Agency [Wada] not treating his sample of salbutamol from 7 September 2017 as an adverse analytical finding as they are satisfied with his explanation.

Froome provided a sample twice the maximum permitted dosage of Salbutamol during the Vuelta, which he went on to win, and the UCI launched disciplinary proceedings earlier this year.

But Froome and Team Sky were able to prove that his finding that day following the 18th of 21 stages was within his expected range of variation, which proved consistent with him taking a permitted dosage of salbutamol.

The 33-year-old maintained that he had not committed any wrongdoing, as did Team Sky, and his clearing comes just one day after Tour de France organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) attempted to block Froome’s registration for this month’s race, which gets underway on Saturday.

“I am very pleased that the UCI has exonerated me,” Froome said in a statement. “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.

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“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.”

Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Sky principal, 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.

“Chris has proved he is a great champion – not only on the bike but also by how he has conducted himself during this period. It has not been easy, but his professionalism, integrity and good grace under pressure have been exemplary and a credit to the sport.

“The greatest bike race in the world starts in five days. We can’t wait to get racing again and help Chris win it for a record-equalling fifth time.”

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The announcement of Froome’s exoneration by both the UCI and Wada means that Froome will be free to defend his title and continue his bid to become just the fifth man to win five Tour de France titles after Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain.

A UCI statement read: “The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirms that the anti-doping proceedings involving Mr Christopher Froome have now been closed.

“On 20 September 2017, Mr Froome was notified that a sample collected during the Vuelta a España on 7 September 2017 was reported to contain a concentration of salbutamol in excess of 1000ng/ml.

“The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) Prohibited List provides that inhaled salbutamol is permitted subject to a maximum dose of 1600 micrograms over 24 hours, not to exceed 800 micrograms every 12 hours (the permitted use), and that a concentration in excess of 1000 ng/ml is an abnormal finding which is presumed not to be the result of a permitted use. The WADA Prohibited List further provides that the athlete can establish that his/her abnormal result was the consequence of a permitted use, in which case it will not be considered as an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF).

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“The UCI instigated disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the UCI Anti-Doping Rules (ADR), during which Mr Froome exercised his right to prove that his abnormal result was the consequence of a permitted use. The proceedings started with an evidentiary phase, with the UCI and Mr Froome agreeing that the UCI Anti-Doping Tribunal would decide whether certain information could be provided to Mr Froome in preparing his defence. The UCI already sought Wada’s advice at that stage, during which a significant number of expert and scientific reports were submitted on behalf of Mr Froome.

“After the evidentiary phase, Mr Froome requested additional information from Wada about the salbutamol regime. Following receipt of information from Wada, Mr Froome then filed his explanation for the abnormal result on 4 June 2018, together with significant additional expert evidence.

“The UCI has considered all the relevant evidence in detail (in consultation with its own experts and experts from Wada). On 28 June 2018, Wada informed the UCI that it would accept, based on the specific facts of the case, that Mr Froome’s sample results do not constitute an AAF. In light of Wada’s unparalleled access to information and authorship of the salbutamol regime, the UCI has decided, based on Wada’s position, to close the proceedings against Mr Froome.”

The case involving Froome led to considerable concern among his competitors over his allowance to compete while the outcome of the investigation was pending, with some riders and teams questioning whether he should be allowed to compete and others considering a boycott if the case was not closed before the start of this year’s Tour.

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But the UCI moved to appease those fears, adding: “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 Wada’s 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.”