Chris Froome has called for the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Int'l Cycling Union (UCI), to "urgently address the controversial use of medical exemptions in the sport," according to Ed Aarons of the London GUARDIAN. In comments that "could be interpreted as criticism" of his former teammate Bradley Wiggins and current employer, Team Sky, the three-time Tour de France winner admitted that the system was "open to abuse." A day after Team Sky Principal Dave Brailsford "defended the team’s use of TUEs and insisted they had done nothing wrong," a statement published on Froome’s Twitter account on Tuesday "attempted to distance the 31-year-old from the controversy." Posted under the heading "My View," Froome made it clear that "he had not cheated but suggested that the rules needed closer examination." He wrote, "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. It is clear that the TUE system is open to abuse and I believe that this is something that the UCI and WADA needs to urgently address. ... I have never had a 'win at all costs' approach in this regard. I am not looking to push the boundaries of the rules." Froome had "formerly defended" his use of TUEs, saying he had "no issues" with the leaks, pointing out that "he has spoken publicly about being granted TUEs before" (GUARDIAN, 9/27).
