Now the UCI boss is calling on Team Sky to suspend Chris Froome from racing, just as it did with Sergio Henao back in 2014 when an issue arose about his blood values. He was pulled from racing by Team Sky for three months.
UCI president calls for Team Sky to suspend Chris Froome
President of the UCI David Lappartient has said Team Sky should suspended Chris Froome from racing.
His comments ramp up the pressure on the team. It is currently working on an explanation for the UCI as to why Froome’s Salbutamol levels were twice the permitted limit at the Vuelta.
The substance, found in asthma inhalers, is permitted by WADA up to a maximum concentration of 1,000ng/ml.
However, at the end of stage 18 at the Vuelta Froome returned a level twice the legal limit.
In such cases, riders and their teams are asked to explain to the UCI how the maximum was exceeded.
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And if they cannot do so satisfactorily the rider is banned from racing for a period.
However, most teams suspend their own riders pending the outcome of a doping-related process that does not carry an automatic immediate suspension.
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In March, 2014, Team Sky pulled Sergio Henao from racing when a question arose about his blood values.
He did not race until the team had gathered enough evidence to explain his blood values. He was then reinstated to racing.
However, the squad has not taken the same approach with Froome. But David Lappartient has said they should.
“Sky should suspend Froome,” Lappartient told Le Télégramme in France.
“It’s what I hope for and it would be logical. It would be wise for him not to race. It’s up to Dave Brailsford to take responsibility.
“I think that’s what the other riders want,” Lappartient added. “They’re fed up with the damage to the sport’s image.”
He also said the case could prove to be a long legal battle and last for a year.
Many riders and race organisers have said the issue needs to be resolved quickly either way. And some have called for Froome to stop racing until it is concluded.
However, if the process continues for a year as the UCI chief suggests, it would mean Froome racing under a cloud.
And any results he achieved would be nullified if he was eventually found guilty of wrongdoing and retrospectively banned.
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