Tour de France champion Chris Froome has claimed that the TUE system, which allows athletes to use banned substances for medical reasons, is "open to abuse".

Russian hackers known as 'Fancy Bear' have been releasing the medical records of numerous sports stars, including Froome himself.

It was claimed that the three-time Tour de France winner was given therapeutic use exemptions for a substance called prednisolone, which treats a number of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

The documents stated that Froome was given permission to use the medication for a five-day period in May 2013 and for seven days during the Tour of Romandie in April 2014.

Froome's former Team Sky teammate Sir Bradley Wiggins - also named in the hackers' documents - has insisted that he did not gain an "unfair advantage" when using anti-inflammatory drug triamcinolone in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Froome has given his views on the TUE system, claiming that athletes "need to take responsibility" for 'pushing boundaries' of the rules.

In a statement posted on his Twitter page, the British cyclist said: "I take my position in the sport very serials and I know that I have to not only abide by the rules, but also go above and beyond that to set a good example both morally and ethically.

"It is clear that the TUE system is open to abuse and I believe that this is something that the UCI and WADA needs to urgently address. At the same time there are athletes who not only abide by the rules that are in place, but also those of fair play.

"I have ever had a 'win at all costs' approach in this regard. I am not looking to push the boundaries of the rules. I believe that this is something that athletes need to take responsibility for themselves until more stringent protocols can be put in place."

Meanwhile, Team Sky boss Sir Dave Brailsford has suggested that TUEs should be made public if athletes consent.