Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome has been barred from the 2018 edition of the race, according to reports.

After initial reports from Le Monde, event organisers have apparently moved against the British cyclist citing concerns regarding the image of the Grand Tour's image.

The move follows Froome's adverse urine sample which he provided during last year's Giro d'Italia.

Cycling's governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale, announced the failed test in December after results showed twice the allowed level of asthma drug Salbutamol was present in Froome's system.

As the investigation is still ongoing, the Brit is allowed to compete until a conclusion is reached, however, Tour bosses have not accepted Team Sky's application to register their star man in this year's event.

Article 29 of the race rules states:

"ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation, Tour de France organisers) expressly reserves the right to refuse the participation in – or disqualify from – the event, a team or one of its members whose presence is liable to damage the image or reputation of ASO or those of the event."

A decision whether to uphold Froome's disqualification from the event will be held on Tuesday, with Team Sky having appealed against the decision.

Froome retains backing from his Team, who commented after the failed test:

"We are confident that Chris will be riding the Tour as we know he has done nothing wrong."

Meanwhile, his wife briefly told Reuters: "Chris will ride the Tour."

Salbutamol is known to give competitors an advantage when delivered intravenously or orally, and as such must be declared by anybody who is treated by it.

While a declaration was indeed made, the levels present in Froome's system were not consistent.

The drug was removed from WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) prohibited lists in 2011, allowing Froome to continue racing while he made a case for having legitimately used the medication.

However, Froome has received a barrage of criticism for his failed test from both riders and commentators, many who feel the 33-year-old should step away from racing until his case has been heard, a view held by UCI President David Lappartient.

In his defence, Froome said: "My asthma got worse at the Vuelta so I followed the team doctor’s advice to increase my salbutamol dosage. As always, I took the greatest care to ensure that I did not use more than the permissible dose."

Should the ban be upheld on Tuesday, Froome's legal team will likely take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, it is unlikely that Froome's case would be heard before the start of this year's Tour, with the first stage less than a week away.