Froome risks losing Vuelta title after positive drugs test

MADRID, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- British cyclist Chris Froome risks being stripped of his title for this year's Vuelta de Espana (Tour of Spain) cycle race after news emerged in the press of a positive drug test.

Froome, who also claimed his fourth successive Tour de France title in 2017, had exceeded the permitted levels of the drug Salbutamol, which is used to combat asthma. According to WADA rules, cyclists are permitted to have a level of 1,000 nano-grams per milliliter of blood, but a urine sample taken from Froome in the Vuelta on September 7th gave double that level.

The rider and his Sky team were informed of the test on September 20th, but it had not been made public until reported in the press.

In declarations published in the Guardian newspaper on Wednesday, Froome said it was "well known" that he suffered from asthma.

"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."

"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," he added

The 32-year-old and the Sky team are reported to be working on behalf of the rider in order to provide an explanation for the high levels of salbutamol, but unless they are able to provide a convincing excuse, he will almost certainly lose his title and face a lengthy ban. Enditem