At this stage of the procedure, the UCI will not comment any further on this matter.
(*) WADA’s Prohibited List provides that: “The presence in urine of salbutamol in excess of 1000 ng/mL or formoterol in excess of 40 ng/mL is presumed not to be an intended therapeutic use of the substance and will be considered as an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) unless the Athlete proves, through a controlled pharmacokinetic study, that the abnormal result was the consequence of the use of the therapeutic dose (by inhalation) up to the maximum dose indicated above.”
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Regarding today’s news about Christopher Froome’s unfavorable test result during La Vuelta 2017, Unipublic, the organizer of La Vuelta, wishes to communicate that it will await the UCI’s official conclusions. The regulatory entity has launched an investigation and the position of La Vuelta’s organizer is one of extreme caution, as it hopes for this issue to be resolved as quickly as possible.
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Both the A and B samples showed excess Salbutamol from stage 18 of the Vuelta. The team was notified on September 20 during the elite mens’ ttt at the Worlds.
Froome says he followed the team doctor’s advice to increase his Salbutamol dosage when his asthma worsened during the Vuelta. He claims to not have used more than was allowed. “I take my leadership position in my sport very seriously. The UCI is absolutely right to examine test results and, together with the team, I will provide whatever information it requires.”
Team manager Dave Brailsford said: “There are complex medical and physiological issues which affect the metabolism and excretion of Salbutamol. We’re committed to establishing the facts and understanding exactly what happened on this occasion. I have the utmost confidence that Chris followed the medical guidance in managing his asthma symptoms, staying within the permissible dose for Salbutamol. Of course, we will do whatever we can to help address these questions.”
There have been other cyclists who have tested positive for salbutamol over the years. Many have been suspended but some have not. Indurain was among those who were not suspended, Ulissi and Petacchi were among those who were banned.
