Chris Froome could lose Vuelta title over ‘adverse’ drug test results

Chris Froome and Team Sky are fighting for their reputations after it has emerged that the rider is being investigated by cycling’s governing body, the UCI, over an “adverse” drugs test result.

The urine test, taken on 7 September whilst competing in Spain, contained double the allowed level of legal asthma drug Salbutamol in his urine. If found guilty of cheating he could be stripped of his Vuelta title.

The Briton, 32, has suffered from asthma since childhood and says he took his team doctor's advice to up his inhaler use after his asthma symptoms got worse during the Vuelta.

Froome became the first Briton to win the three-week race around Spain and it followed his fourth Tour de France victory in July.

Team Sky insist their rider inhaled no more than the permissible dose.