Chris Froome on 'Fancy Bears' WADA hack

Omnisports

September 15, 2016 10:05 AM

After having his records published by WADA hackers 'Fancy Bears', Chris Froome felt it backed up what he had already made public.

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Chris Froome is unconcerned by his personal data being leaked following a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) hack, stating it simply confirms what he had already made public.

After the initial hack on Tuesday, WADA announced on Thursday the data of 25 athletes, including five from Great Britain, had been released by Russian cyber group 'Fancy Bears'.

Included in the second batch are records from Team Sky rider Froome, who last December voluntarily released data from lab tests he submitted to following his 2015 Tour de France victory amid accusations of doping.

The Brit openly admitted in June to being granted a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) – permission to use a banned substance that aids performance for health reasons – twice in his career, evidence of which is now visible online.

Upon the publication of his personal details, Froome, seemingly feeling vindicated, said in a statement: "I've openly discussed my TUEs with the media and have no issues with the leak which only confirms my statements.

"In nine years as a professional I've twice required a TUE for exacerbated asthma, the last time was in 2014."

Team Sky added in a separate release: "Applications made by Team Sky for TUEs have all been managed and recorded in line with the processes put in place by the governing bodies.

"Team Sky's approach to anti-doping – and our commitment to clean competition – are well known."

WADA director general Olivier Niggli apologised to athletes who had their data released, and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) chief executive Nicole Sapstead also condemned the attacks and outlined the organisation's process on TUEs.

"UKAD strongly condemns actions of this nature and we are appalled that five members of Team GB have had their private data published illegally online," Sapstead said in a statement.

"Not only does it undermine our work and the protection of clean sport, but it is grossly unfair to the athletes, whose personal data has been put at risk.

"We continue to treat this matter with the utmost concern and seriousness, and we are working hard with WADA to urgently determine what impact, if any, this may have on other British athletes, and exactly what information may have been compromised.

"It is important to note that in the UK, applications for TUEs are subject to a strict and independent process. Applications submitted to UKAD are assessed by at least three independent medics and are then referred to WADA, which has further independent oversight of applications.

"This robust process is in place to ensure that TUEs are granted based solely on medical need - they are not an indication of doping. They are there to support the clean athlete's right to compete, despite a medical condition."

Omnisports

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