Tom Dumoulin claims he would not have entered the Giro d'Italia if he was in Chris Froome's predicament.
Froome will start his bid to pull off a Grand Tour treble when the prestigious race begins in Jerusalem on Friday.
Advertisement
The Team Sky rider is under scrutiny after he returned an adverse analytical finding during his Vuelta a Espana triumph last year.
Froome's test showed he was over the limit for asthma drug salbutamol, but the Briton insists he was not guilty of any wrongdoing and is free to compete while the UCI investigates the matter.
Reigning Giro champion Dumoulin stated on Wednesday that he would not be taking part if he were in the same situation as Froome.
Asked about Tour de France and Vuelta champion's participation, the Dutchman said: "Good one to start with.
"It's his decision to be here. My team is part of the MPCC [Movement for Credible Cycling], if I would be in same situation, I would not be here. That is his decision and it’s not up to me to have an opinion about it."
Dumoulin believes the saga is damaging for the sport.
"That's not good for cycling. Everybody would like it if it's not like this, including Chris Froome, to be starting the Giro with doubts or uncertainty," added the Team Sunweb.
"Maybe he is winning this Giro and a few weeks later, say he loses the title [in the ruling]? That's not nice for him. It's not good for anyone.
"The situation is like this and I cannot change it."
