It has now emerged that Chris Froome returned an adverse finding at a Vuelta dope test. He was double the allowed dose for asthma medication. He could be banned and lose his title.
Chris Froome returned an Adverse Analytical Finding at the Vuelta a Espana. Asthma medication Salbutamol was found in his sample at twice the allowable dose.
The test result was returned after stage 18 and now the UCI is seeking an explanation.
Froome requested his B sample also be tested and it returned the same result as the A sample.
WADA permits a concentration of the substance of 1,000ng/ml.
However, while Froome’s sample was much higher the UCI said: “The presence of a specified substance such as Salbutamol in a sample does not result in the imposition of such mandatory provisional suspension against the rider.”
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It is seeking more information from him and Team Sky about the finding.
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In a statement Froome said his asthma worsened during the race, which he won, so his medicine was increased.
"My asthma got worse at the Vuelta so I followed the team doctor’s advice to increase my Salbutamol dosage,” he said.
“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."
Team Sky principal David Brailsford said there were “complex” issues at the centre of the finding.
"There are complex medical and physiological issues which affect the metabolism and excretion of Salbutamol.
“We're committed to establishing the facts and understanding exactly what happened on this occasion.
"I have the utmost confidence that Chris followed the medical guidance in managing his asthma symptoms, staying within the permissible dose for Salbutamol.
“Of course, we will do whatever we can to help address these questions."
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