Chris Froome's anti-doping case has been dropped, cycling's world governing body UCI confirmed in a statement on Monday.

Froome had been under investigation since September, with the four-time Tour de France winner found to have more than the permissible amount of salbutamol - an asthma drug - in his system following a urine test.

The Team Sky rider always maintained his innocence, however, and has now been cleared by both the UCI and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to take part in this year's Tour de France, which will start this weekend.

"The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirms that the anti-doping proceedings involving Mr Christopher Froome have now been closed," read a statement.

"The UCI has considered all the relevant evidence in detail (in consultation with its own experts and experts from WADA). On 28 June 2018, WADA informed the UCI that it would accept, based on the specific facts of the case, that Mr Froome's sample results do not constitute an AAF.

"In light of WADA's unparalleled access to information and authorship of the salbutamol regime, the UCI has decided, based on WADA's position, to close the proceedings against Mr Froome.

"Whilst the UCI would have obviously preferred the proceedings to have been finalised earlier in the season, it had to ensure that Mr Froome had a fair process, as it would have done with any other rider, and that the correct decision was issued.

"Having received WADA's position on 28 June 2018, the UCI prepared and issued its formal reasoned decision as quickly as possible in the circumstances.

"The UCI understands that there will be significant discussion of this decision, but wishes to reassure all those involved in or interested in cycling that its decision is based on expert opinions, WADA's advice, and a full assessment of the facts of the case.

"The UCI hopes that the cycling world can now turn its focus to, and enjoy, the upcoming races on the cycling calendar."

Shortly after the statement was made public, Froome posted a tweet revealing that he was "grateful and relieved" to finally be able to move on from the saga.