Michelle Froome: 'Chris will ride in Tour de France'
Chris Froome's wife and representative Michelle says the four-time Tour de France winner will compete despite an investigation.
Sunday 1 July 2018 15:01, UK
The wife of defending Tour de France champion Chris Froome has said he will compete in this year's race, despite calls to pull him out.
Michelle Froome, who also represents the cyclist, said: "Chris will ride the Tour".
The 33-year-old is currently at the centre of an investigation following an adverse analytical finding for excessive levels of the asthma drug Salbutamol at last September's Vuelta a Espana.
Froome, who denies the doping claims, says he has every right to defend his title and is confident of being cleared.
World Anti-Doping Agency rules have allowed him to continue racing until the investigation is over.
However, French media reports that the Tour de France owners Amaury Sport Organisation have written to Team Sky telling them that Froome should not take part in the race.
Team Sky has responded, saying: "We are confident that Chris will be riding the Tour as we know he has done nothing wrong."
The four-time winner of cycling's biggest race was criticised in June by five-time winner Bernard Hinault, who called on riders to go on strike should Froome compete.