Froome hits out at UCI for risking reputations with lack of testing
TOUR de France champion Chris Froome has accused cycling’s governing body of compromising riders’ integrity by failing to conduct a sufficient number of out-of-competition drugs tests.
Cyclists have tried desperately to rebuild the sport’s reputation since the extent of American Lance Armstrong’s doping came to light in recent years and Froome is unhappy not to have been tested throughout his stay at a training camp in Tenerife with Team Sky over the last two weeks.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) say they will address the matter with the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation.
But Froome fears their lack of diligence will lead to a summer of uncomfortable questioning for those setting the pace at the Tour de France.
“If we’re trying to show that the sport has changed it’s difficult to do so if we’re not being tested up here,” said the 29-year-old.
“I’ve been tested once and I’ve been up here maybe four or five times.
“The anti-doping authorities aren’t the ones who have to stand in front of the media in July [at the Tour de France] and justify the sport. Whoever is in the yellow jersey in July is going to have to answer questions and if we’re not getting tested that doesn’t look good on any of us.
“In my opinion they’re not helping by not doing controls at this part in the season.”
Froome begins the defence of his Tour de France crown from 5 July, with stage one running from Leeds.
At yesterday’s 18th stage of the Giro D’Italia, Colombia’s Nairo Quintana maintained his grip on the overall leader’s pink jersey. Compatriot Julian Arredondo won the stage.