The controversy over Bradley Wiggins’ use of corticosteroid injections has hampered Team Sky’s attempts to defend their clean image, according to Chris Froome.
“I am completely in the dark on that,” Froome said in an interview with The Times. “I have asked the question. Hopefully we will find out at the end of the investigation. Those are questions for Brad to answer about what happened back then. In terms of who did what at the time, I still don’t know all the answers myself.”
“I can only deal with what I do know. From what I have seen for myself, it’s been completely above board. It’s been clean. I’ve laid all my cards on the table. Everything has been out there for a while in terms of my TUEs.
“We have worked really hard to try to show we are being as transparent as possible. I feel we have made a lot of headway this year, especially on the roads of the Tour. I felt a genuine change in mentality of the French fans, a much warmer reception than it has been in the past.”
Froome understands why people are now viewing Wiggins in a very different light.
“People ask me, ‘Do I think it’s tarnished his image?’ I certainly think it’s raised a few questions, that’s for sure. A lot of people have said it’s taken the shine off his performances back in 2012.”
“Looking around the group, riders and staff [including his coach, Tim Kerrison], I’m surrounded by such a great group of guys who want to work hard and do things the right way. It’s really unfortunate. I don’t think it’s fair that this casts a shadow on that and the work that everyone is doing now.
