Froome to start Giro despite ongoing case

THE head of world cycling believes the complexity of Chris Froome’s salbutamol case means a resolution is unlikely prior to the start of the Giro d’Italia on May 4. Froome is slated to begin the Giro in Jerusalem, Israel, seeking a third successive Grand Tour title after claiming his fourth Tour de France title last July and a first La Vuelta crown last September. However, the 32-yearold Team Sky leader returned a positive test for elevated levels of salbutamol en route to winning La Vuelta. As the asthma medication is a specified substance, he can continue racing. Froome (above) competed at Tirreno-Adriatico earlier this month, stating his desire for the uncertainty surrounding him to be resolved as soon as possible. Asked when there would be a verdict in the case, UCI president David Lappartient told La Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘I don’t know to be honest. I hope as soon as possible. ‘I said I hope before the Giro but I don’t think so, I’m not sure that will be the case. ‘We’re still pushing to have the resolution as soon as possible. That’d be good for the rider himself, for his team, for the [race] organisers, for the UCI. ‘We don’t want to wait for as long as we can imagine. But this is also a technical case. It’s not so simple, so that’s why it will take some time.’ No specific timescale is set in anti-doping cases and there is regular dialogue as Froome mounts his defence to explain salbutamol levels in his urine at more than twice the legal limit. Froome’s case has been ongoing for more than six months after first being made public last December. It is being dealt with by the Legal Anti-Doping Services, which is independent of the UCI, so Lappartient is not aware of the specifics. He has, though, expressed his opinion on a subject which has vexed many riders, staff and supporters of the sport. ‘I can understand that fans need also to know what is the result and we can look forward,’ he added. ‘We don’t want to have a rider taking the start of the race without the result. ‘But we have to follow our procedures in UCI. We have strong procedures and we have to follow them to ensure the credibility of our sport.’