PARIS, (Reuters) – British cyclist Chris Froome said yesterday that tests he took after winning the Tour de France proved that he does not use performance-enhancing drugs, although at least one rival coach said they would not silence the doubters.
The tests were carried out at the GlaxoSmithKline Human Performance Lab in London in August, a few weeks after the Tour, and the results he released suggest that a huge weight loss could help explain his rapid rise from 2007, when at 22 he was a rough diamond at best, to Tour champion in 2013 and 2015. During this year’s race, Froome was accused of doping by former riders, reporters and fans of a race that has been beset by doping scandals for almost 20 years. Some fans even threw urine at Froome, who has always vigorously denied doping, as the race’s atmosphere turned sour.
“The figures make one thing very clear to me, if I ever needed any reminder,” Froome said in a statement. “Natural ability is only one piece of the puzzle of what it takes to win an event like the Tour de France. I have always prided myself on my work ethic, dedication and perseverance.”
