I must admit that I was shocked when I heard the news about Chris Froome's suspicious doping control. You all probably felt the same way that Tony and I did. Especially since it was not just anyone but involves the four-time Tour winner and the calling card of our sport. That is big news and brings back unwelcome memories of a time in cycling from which we are trying to distance ourselves. And it is complicated too, since it involves a product which does not lead directly to a positive doping control because athletes who suffer from asthma also have the right to take part in competitions.

In this sense I hope that Chris can plausibly and quickly clear up the situation. He has the right to do so in this specific case. But one thing is also clear: every further day of uncertainty is a bad day for cycling.

Photo: roth-foto.de