Froome to make season debut at Ruta del Sol

Team Sky has brushed off controversy over the ongoing investigation into Chris Froome's adverse finding of excessive amounts of the asthma medication Salbutamol and named the team leader to its squad for the upcoming Ruta del Sol.

Chris Froome, Team Sky, UCI WorldTour

Chris Froome in action at the Tour de France. Source: Getty

The 32-year-old four-time Tour de France winner is under investigation after returning an adverse drugs test at last year's Vuelta a España which he won.

He was found to have double the allowed amount of the legal drug Salbutamol in his system in a test after stage 18 of the Vuelta in September.

Team Sky and Froome, who has denied any wrongdoing, are presenting their case to the International Cycling Union.

"I'm confident that we will be able to get to the bottom of what has happened and I'm working hard with the team to do that," Froome said in a statement.

"Obviously, I understand that this situation has created a lot of uncertainty. I completely get why there has been so much interest and speculation."

The Ruta del Sol starting on Feb. 14 will be Froome's first competitive appearance since his third-place finish in the time trial at the world championships in Norway last September.

Team Principal Dave Brailsford admitted it was a tough situation.

“We all recognise that these are difficult circumstances but it’s important for all sides that this process is conducted fairly before a final conclusion is reached," he said.

“It is a complex situation but we’re working as hard as we can with Chris to resolve things as soon as possible."

Froome will line up in the five-day stage race in Andalusia, which he won three years ago, after completing a training stint in South Africa.

"I have put in a hard training block in January," Froome said. "It's been good to be out on my bike and to get the miles under my belt."

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2 min read
Published 6 February 2018 8:18am
Updated 6 February 2018 8:29am
By Cycling Central
Source: Cycling Central

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