Deep breaths… Irish bookmaker Paddy Power are offering money back as a free bet if a rider is the runner-up to Chris Froome.

After being linked – and cleared of any wrongdoings – to the drug Salbutamol, ‘Inhaler Insurance’ applies to all bets placed on the race winner before 3pm on Saturday July 7^th for the Tour de France.

The offer will apply to all win only and win part of each way bets staked on all individual stages of Le Tour.

Spokesman Paddy Power said: “Froome may have been cleared of his inhaler violation, but we’re on hand take your breath away and bring some justice to the doubters.

“So, if your rider comes second to the four-time Tour winner, you’ll get your money back as a free bet to soften the blow.”