UCI chief calls for ‘safe’ Tour de France for Froome

The head of world cycling, David Lappartient, on Wednesday urged the public to ensure British rider Chris Froome has a “safe” Tour de France.

The world’s biggest cycling race starts Saturday, just days after four-time champion Froome was cleared of doping suspicions by the UCI.

In a post on his Twitter account, Lappartient said the UCI’s decision should be respected, as should “all riders, including Chris Froome.”

“He has the right to operate in a safe environment. I have heard calls, sometimes completely irrational, to violence on the Tour de France.

“I cannot accept that and I call on all spectators to protect all the athletes and to respect the judicial decision so that Chris Froome can compete in a safe and serene environment like all other athletes.”

Kenyan-born Froome, 33, was under investigation after delivering an abnormal test sample during the Tour of Spain last year.

He recorded an adverse analytical finding for Salbutamol, an asthma medication, meaning he exceeded the allowed dose of a permitted substance.

Opposition to Froome had been building in France ahead of the Tour, with five-time Tour winner Bernard Hinault labelling him a cheat and organizers barring him from riding before relenting earlier this week and lifting the ban.