Chris Froome insists he ‘has every right’ to defend Tour de France title

‘I have done nothing wrong here. I have every right to be racing’

Chris Froome remains under investigation for returning excessive levels of the asthma drug Salbutamol following a urine sample at last September's Vuelta a Espana (AFP)

Four-times Tour de France winner Chris Froome says he "has every right" to defend his title next month as he awaits a decision over an adverse doping test.

The Team Sky rider tested positive for excessive levels of asthma drug Salbutamol following a urine sample at last September's Vuelta a Espana but is confident of being cleared via an investigation. "I have done nothing wrong here. I have every right to be racing," the 33-year-old told Sky Sports.

The Briton was criticised last week by five-times Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault, who called on riders to go on a strike if Froome competed at this year's race.

Bernard Hinault said Froome's rivals should go on strike if he competes in this year's Tour (Getty)

When asked if he was worried about the reception he will get in France, Froome said: "Over the years, we have always had a small crowd who aren't happy to see us, for whatever reason.

"We have always come up against adversity over the years. That is something you deal with in the moment. Hopefully that doesn't interfere with the race."

Reuters