Cycling: UCI President David Lappartient commented again on the Chris Froome case in an interview with the French regional newspaper Le Telegramme. This time he called on Team Sky to suspend the Brit. The Frenchman also fears it could take at least a year before a decision is made.
Lappartient recommends Sky suspend Froome
The new UCI President certainly imagined the beginning of his term of office to be a little easier. At the moment, David Lappartient can hardly exchange a word with journalists without Chris Froome being mentioned at some point. In an interview with the French regional newspaper Le Telegramme, the Frenchman again found clear words. This time he addressed himself directly to Team Sky. In his opinion it would be better for everyone if Froome did not contest any races until the decision.
David Lappartient:
“Sky should do that. But it is not up to me to intervene in this case. It would be easier for all parties regardless of the outcome of the case if the team took action."
A quick decision? Rather unlikely!
How unrealistic a voluntary suspension actually is is shown by the following fact: Just a few days ago, David Lappartient expressed his wish in the Neue Züricher Zeitung that the decision should be made by May. Now he shared his concern that it could take at least a year for a decision to be made. Chris Froome will certainly not voluntarily forego participation in races for more than a year. If he were then acquitted, not racing would have been completely in vain. If he is convicted, all results will be annulled afterwards, but at least the Briton would have stayed in the race. So for Froome, it makes no sense at all to voluntarily make such a decision. On the contrary: the Briton is currently preparing for the start of the season in South Africa. In February he wants to start at the Algarve or the Andalusia tour.
David Lappartient:
"It could take at least a year."
David Lappartient says Team Sky should suspend Froome https://t.co/UjHbepyLKq pic.twitter.com/7EX2wB2Nw7
— Esteban Novo (@estebannovo) 19 January 2018