Froome calls for urgent action on the use of TUEs in cycling

Double Tour de France cycling champion Chris Froome has called for the World Anti-Drugs Agency and cyclings governing body UCI to urgently address the controversial use of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) in the sport following the criticism that has been directed at his former teammate Bradley Wiggins over the issue.

Froome had his own TUEs for prednisolone revealed by the Fancy Bears Russian hacking team at the same time that Wiggins' exemptions were leaked. Froome's two were for five days in May 2013 at the Criterium du Dauphine and seven days in April 2014 during the Tour of Romandie to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. There is no suggestion he has done anything wrong.

According to a report in the Guardian, Wiggins's use of TUEs in 2011, 2012 and 2013 before his biggest race of those seasons has come under more scrutiny, particularly the injections of the powerful corticosteroid triamcinolone before his Tour win.

Froome, though, made it clear that he had not cheated but that the rules needed closer examination. He added that the system was "open to abuse".

"I take my position in the sport very seriously and I know that I have to abide by the rules, but also go above and beyond that to set a good example both morally and ethically," he said in a post on Twitter.

He added: "It is clear that the TUE system is open to abuse and I believe that this is something that the UCI and WADA need to urgently address. At the same time there are athletes who not only abide by the rules that are in place, but also those of fair play.

"I have never had a 'win at all costs' approach in this regard. I am not looking to push the boundaries of the rules. I believe that this is something that athletes need to take responsibility for themselves, until more stringent protocols can be put in place."

Froome had formerly defended his use of TUEs, saying he had "no issues" with the leaks, pointing out he has spoken publicly about being granted TUEs before.

--IANS

dm/pur/bg