FOUR-TIME world time trial champion Tony Martin has called the decision not to suspend Team Sky leader Chris Froome immediately for his adverse drugs test a “scandal”.

In a post on his Facebook page, the 32-year-old German wrote he was “totally angry” and suggested Froome and his British team “enjoy a special status”.

Martin is particularly annoyed that the International Cycling Union (UCI) let Froome ride in the time trial at the Road World Championships on September 20 despite telling him that day about his adverse analytical finding at La Vuelta a Espana a fortnight earlier.

Froome came third in Bergen, winning a bronze medal that he said at the time “capped an amazing season”. Martin finished a disappointing ninth.

In its letter to Froome and his national governing body, British Cycling, the UCI made it clear that he was not subject to a mandatory suspension.

One of the sport’s most respected riders, Martin wrote: “I am totally angry. There is definitely a double standard being applied in the Christopher Froome case.

“Other athletes are suspended immediately after a positive test. He and his team are given time by the UCI to explain it all. I do not know of any similar case in the recent past.

“That is a scandal, and he should at least not have been allowed to appear in the World Championships.

“Not only the public, but also I immediately have the impression that there is wheeling and dealing going on behind the scenes, agreements are being made and ways are being sought as to how to get out of this case. Do he and his team enjoy a special status?

“These actions are major blow to the difficult anti-doping fight...we need a consequent and transparent approach by the UCI. What is going on here is inconsistent, not transparent, unprofessional and unfair.”