Cycling: Chris Froome hasn't raced in months, but his name is still dominating the cycling world right now. At the edge of Tower Down Under Holger Gerska met for Deutschlandfunk for a sports talk with Nikias Arndt (Sunweb), Jasha Sütterlin (Movistar) and Robert Wagner (LottoNL-Jumbo). All three found clear words on the subject of Chris Froome and Sky.
Sütterlin draws parallels between Froome and Wiggins
Professional cyclists don't have it easy. As if the torment on the bike wasn't exhausting enough, they are constantly accused of doping. The Case of Chris Froome is currently a topic of conversation. Even during the Tour Down Under - without Chris Froome - the Brit is the number one topic. UCI President Lappartient urged Sky to suspend Froome. At the same time, he also admits that he cannot force her to do so. It is understandable that the protagonists are dissatisfied with the current situation. Above all, the fact that nothing has been done for months annoys Jasha Sütterlin (Movistar).
Jasha Sutterlin:
"The same thing happened with Wiggins. I think he should be banned. We all have to kind of wait for confirmation now, but nothing is happening.”
Wagner: "A helper would have been withdrawn long ago"
Robert Wagner (LottoNL-Jumbo) is also annoyed about the waiting time. Especially the fact that Sky and Chris Froome are now trying to talk their way out of the whole thing with lawyers during this time is a shame for cycling. The 34-year-old also suspects that Chris Froome does enjoy a bonus for being a top rider and not a helper. Lappartient recently assured that it no special treatment for Froome would give.
Robert Wagner:
“As I have read, everything is now being tried to explain the high values. In the past, there were two comparable cases with lower scores, Petacchi and Ulissi - and they were banned. It's now up to Sky and Froome to explain. But if he can't explain it in a plausible way, then he should be banned. Whether that's a Tour de France winner or a helper, I don't care. A helper would have been taken out of circulation long ago.”
The British Tour de France winner Chris Froome is under criticism after a positive doping test - but is still allowed to drive for the time being. In addition @NikiasArndt, @JashaStterlin and @Robert Wagner83 in the sports talk at 23:30 p.m @DLF pic.twitter.com/pACsnZR0Z7
— Sports (@DLF_Sport) 21 January 2018
Arndt would like Sky and Froome to be more open
Chris Froome and Sky are currently trying to somehow justify the excessive value. Supposedly Froome would like to explain the high value with a kidney malfunction. Nikias Arndt (Sunweb) finds at least no explanation as to how such a high value could have come about. Nevertheless, he would like Team Sky to deal with the issue more openly and not let the British start until the situation has been clarified. Romain Bardet (AG2r) requested the same thing a few days ago.
Nickias Arndt:
"I don't even know if they have an idea themselves. Just as journalists are currently speculating and discussing this, so are we. For me it is inexplicable. You are now trying to explain why. I would have liked Sky to be more open about it and pull him out of circulation. It would be good for cycling if a decision was made as quickly as possible.”
Enjoyed the cool down after a very hot stage 3! 💦 @tourdownunder
Pic. by @roosenboomphoto @mjstorer_au #recovery pic.twitter.com/KZ7akUSfnX— Nikias Arndt (@NikiasArndt) 20 January 2018
Here you can listen to Deutschlandfunk's sports talk with the three German cycling pros.