Chris Froome has been cleared of doping by the International Cycling Union, a decision that should allow him to pursue a record-tying fifth Tour de France title later this week.
Froome had been racing under the cloud of a potential ban after a urine sample he provided at the Vuelta in September showed a concentration of the asthma drug salbutamol that was twice the permitted level.
A UCI statement says ”Froome’s sample results do not constitute an AAF (Adverse Analytical Finding),” adding that it has decided ”to close the proceedings against Mr Froome.”
“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,” read the UCI statement on Monday morning.
“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.”
The Tour begins Saturday and – before the UCI statement was provided – race organizers were reportedly denying him entry.
Froome says, ”I have never doubted that this case would be dismissed for the simple reason that I have known throughout I did nothing wrong.”
