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Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome has spoken of his relief after being cleared of any wrongdoing over his asthma drug.

The investigation into his use of salbutamol began in September, when Froome returned a urine sample during the Vuelta a Espana for twice the permitted level.

The presidents of both the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) agreed on Saturday morning that the Team Sky rider had no case to answer.

Speaking to Sky News, he said: "I'm hugely relieved. It's been a very difficult period, these last nine months."

He added: "All allegations against me have been dropped, which is a relief."

The decision comes just days before the biggest bike race in the world, the Tour de France, in which Froome is now free to compete.

The Team Sky rider has always maintained his innocence, claiming he only ever ingested the permitted dosage of the bronchodilator, with Sky sources understanding that part of Froome's defence was that the elevated concentration of the drug was a result of kidney malfunction.

As a result of the decision, Froome keeps his 2017 Vuelta a Espana title, making him the first British rider to have won the Spanish Grand Tour, and the first since Bernard Hinault in 1978 to win the Vuelta a Espana and Tour de France in the same year.

Froome reacted to the decision by tweeting: "Grateful and relieved to finally put this chapter behind me, it has been an emotional nine months. Thank you to all of those who have supported and believed in me throughout."

Looking towards the Tour de France, which begins this week, he said: "It would be incredible to win a fifth title... this is a huge challenge for me and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into these next few weeks."

In a statement, the UCI said that Froome's sample did not amount to an adverse analytical finding (AAF). It said: "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.

"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."

Froome said in a statement: "I am very pleased that the UCI has exonerated me.

"While this decision is obviously a big deal for me and the team, it's also an important moment for cycling.

"I understand the history of this great sport - good and bad. I have always taken my leadership position very seriously and I always do things the right way.

"I meant it when I said that I would never dishonour a winner's jersey and that my results would stand the test of time.

"I have never doubted that this case would be dismissed for the simple reason that I have known throughout I did nothing wrong.

"I have suffered with asthma since childhood. I know exactly what the rules are regarding my asthma medication and I only ever use my puffer to manage my symptoms within the permissible limits.

"Of course, the UCI had to examine these test results from the Vuelta.

"Unfortunately, the details of the case did not remain confidential, as they should have done.

"And I appreciate more than anyone else the frustration at how long the case has taken to resolve and the uncertainty this has caused. I am glad it's finally over.

"I am grateful for all the support I have had from the team and from many fans across the world. Today's ruling draws a line. It means we can all move on and focus on the Tour de France."

Team principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: "We have always had total confidence in Chris and his integrity.

"We knew that he had followed the right medical guidance in managing his asthma at the Vuelta and were sure that he would be exonerated in the end, which he has been.

"This is why we decided that it was right for Chris to continue racing, in line with UCI rules, while the process was ongoing. We are pleased that it has now been resolved.

"Chris's elevated Salbutamol urine reading from stage 18 of the Vuelta was treated as a 'presumed' adverse analytical finding (AAF) by the UCI and WADA, which triggered a requirement for us to provide further information.

"After a comprehensive review of that information, relevant data and scientific research, the UCI and WADA have concluded that there was, in fact, no AAF and that no rule has been broken.

"We said at the outset that there are complex medical and physiological issues which affect the metabolism and excretion of Salbutamol.

"The same individual can exhibit significant variations in test results taken over multiple days while using exactly the same amount of Salbutamol.

"This means that the level of Salbutamol in a single urine sample, alone, is not a reliable indicator of the amount inhaled.

"A review of all Chris's 21 test results from the Vuelta revealed that the stage 18 result was within his expected range of variation and therefore consistent with him having taken a permitted dose of Salbutamol.

"Chris has proved he is a great champion - not only on the bike but also by how he has conducted himself during this period. It has not been easy, but his professionalism, integrity and good grace under pressure have been exemplary and a credit to the sport.

"The greatest bike race in the world starts in five days. We can't wait to get racing again and help Chris win it for a record-equalling fifth time."