THE KEY QUESTIONS

WHAT IS SALBUTAMOL?

It relieves the symptoms of asthma by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is taken using an inhaler but can also be given as tablets, capsules, syrup, or using a nebuliser or injection.

CAN ATHLETES TAKE IT?

It is banned when taken intravenously or as a pill. But asthma sufferers can take up to 1,600 micrograms (mcg) over 24 hours, without exceeding 800 mcg every 12 hours. A Therapeutic Use Exemption is not required.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

It is not generally considered a performance enhancer. But if taken in huge doses in excess of what Froome appears to have taken, it can increase strength and power by making muscle contractions more effective. It can also be used as a masking agent. Excess use can be dangerous.

WHY HAS THIS ONLY COME TO LIGHT NOW?

The International Cycling Union (UCI) only makes antidoping violations public when a mandatory provisional suspension applies. With salbutamol, it does not apply.

HAS FROOME BROKEN ANY RULES?

World Anti Doping Agency rules state that concentration of salbutamol must not exceed 1,000 nanograms per millilitre (ng/ml). Froome’s was double that. Italian Diego Ulissi was given a nine-month ban after a sample contained 1,920 ng/ml. But it is possible to exceed the threshold when taking the permitted dosage.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Froome’s medical and legal team have to present their case to the UCI. If unsuccessful he is likely to be stripped of his Vuelta title and serve a ban that could rule him out of the 2018 Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.