Froome still awaiting a decision from investigation into an adverse drugs test
Wednesday 27 June 2018 22:16, UK
Chris Froome has vowed to compete in this year's Tour de France for Team Sky, while he awaits a decision in the case of an adverse drugs test.
Froome recorded an adverse analytical finding for excessive levels of the asthma drug Salbutamol following a urine sample during last year's Vuelta a Espana.
He has denied any wrongdoing and an investigation has been ongoing since last September.
When asked if he would be at the start line when the Tour de France begins a week on Saturday, Froome told Sky Sports News: "Definitely. I have done nothing wrong here. I have every right to be racing."
There remains a possibility that Froome's final position in the race may be affected by the result of the ongoing case, but the Team Sky rider remains confident of being fully cleared.
"Through this process, I am allowed to demonstrate that I have done nothing wrong and I am fully expecting to be exonerated by the end of this process," he said.
Five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault had called on riders at this year's race to go on strike if Froome competes. Team Sky labelled the comments as "irresponsible and ill-informed".
When asked if he was worried about getting a bad reception in France, Froome said: "Over the years, we have always had a small crowd who aren't happy to see us, for whatever reason.
"We have always come up against adversity over the years. That is something you deal with in the moment. Hopefully that doesn't interfere with the race."
