Claims of UCI Double Standard in Froome Doping Case

The Union Cycliste Internationale’s treatment of four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome’s abnormal drug test is a scandal and shows double standards are at play, claims Tony Martin,  German professional road bicycle racer and four-time world champion.

Froome became Britain’s first ever cyclist to claim the Vuelta de Espana, an annual multi-stage bicycle race in Spain, title earlier this year, however his integrity has come into question after cycling’s governing body revealed he returned a positive drug test in which he had double the allowed level of asthma drug Salbutamol in his urine, Marca reported.

In a statement published on his Facebook page, Martin declared Froome should not have been allowed to participate in the World Championships and that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)’s choice not to immediately suspend the Brit is a major blow in the fight against doping.

“I am totally angry,” Martin said. “There is definitely a double standard being applied in the Christopher Froome case. Other athletes are suspended immediately after a positive test. He and his team are given time by the UCI to explain it all. I do not know of any similar case in the recent past. That is a scandal and he should at least not have been allowed to appear in the World Championships.”

“Not only the public, but also I, immediately have the impression that there is wheeling and dealing going on behind the scene, agreements are being made and ways are being sought as to how to get out of this case. Do he and his team enjoy a special status? We need a consequent and transparent approach by the UCI. What is going on here is not transparent, (it is) unprofessional and unfair,” Martin continued