CHRIS FROOME is under investigation by the UCI after elevated levels of Salbutamol was found in his system during the Vuelta a Espana race, that he won.
The UCI, world cycling’s governing body, found that the concentration of the substance in the urine was higher than his permitted levels – but he is not accused of overdosing.
Froome has had problems with asthma all his life – and has always been open about his use of an inhaler.
But this time, he was over the permissible limit of 1000ng/ml in a test taken on September 7.
That day he was riding from Suances to Santo Toribio de Liebana in the red leader’s jersey of La Vuelta and had only three stages to go – including the race’s infamous hardest climb – the Alto de L’Angliru, two days later.
The 32-year-old said: “It is well known that I have asthma and I know exactly what the rules are.
“I use an inhaler to manage my symptoms (always within the permissible limits) and I know for sure that I will be tested every day I wear the race leader’s jersey.
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“My asthma got worse at the Vuelta so I followed the team doctor’s advice to increase my Salbutamol dosage. As always, I took the greatest care to ensure that I did not use more than the permissible dose.
“I take my leadership position in my sport very seriously. The UCI is absolutely right to examine test results and, together with the team, I will provide whatever information it requires.”
The UCI claimed Froome was notified on September 20 of his “adverse analytical finding” from the September 7 sample.
Because of Salbutamol’s status as substance of low concern – Froome will not face a suspension.
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