Team Sky have defended themselves following mounting criticism ©Team Sky

Team Sky have insisted they are "confident" that an independent investigation launched by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) into their activity will clear them of any wrongdoing.

This comes as concerns continue over the use of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) by the team's former star rider Sir Bradley Wiggins, as well as the contents of a "mystery package" delivered during the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine.

The latter probe related to Team Sky official, Simon Cope, travelling from Geneva to La Toussuire with requested medication on June 12, 2011, before Sir Bradley won the race.

Sir David told a Parliamentary hearing of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee in London yesterday that he had been told that the package contained fluimucil - a legal product used to treat coughs and sore throats.

But questions remains as to why it took so long to disclose this information as well as why they needed to transport the product from Britain when it was so easily available in France.

The Daily Mail, who broke the "mystery package" story in October, claimed today Sir David had attempted to stop them publishing their original report and had instead offered them a "more positive" alternative.

This allegation was not mentioned in the Team Sky statement today.

David Brailsford has defended Team Sky but has received criticism for the ambiguity of his responses ©Getty Images
David Brailsford has defended Team Sky but has received criticism for the ambiguity of his responses ©Getty Images

"Dave gave public evidence to the Select Committee yesterday for an hour as part of their inquiry into anti-doping," they said.

"As we have always said we believe what is most important is for UKAD to establish the truth independently. 

"We are confident that when they report it will be clear that there has been no wrongdoing.

"During the Committee session, Dave acknowledged once again his own mistakes in handling the issue over recent months.

"We are continuing to co-operate fully with UKAD and we look forward to their report."

Leaked World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) data released by the Fancy Bears hacking group alleged that Sir Bradley received permission to use salbutamol to treat asthma in 2008 before receiving three successive exemptions for corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide in 2011, 2012 and 2013 due to a pollen allergy.

His three approvals for triamcinolone acetonide coincided with the Tour de France in 2011 and 2012 and the Giro d'Italia in 2013 - his biggest races of all three seasons.

Sir Bradley Wiggins (right) is under fire for his use of TUEs before three major stage races ©Getty Images
Sir Bradley Wiggins (right) is under fire for his use of TUEs before three major stage races ©Getty Images

But all wrongdoing is denied.

"With regards to Bradley's first TUE it wasn't just the doctor on his own - we took Bradley to an independent consultant," Sir David added yesterday.

"It was a clear recommendation.

"There's a triple lock for TUEs: the rider, the medic, the independent consultant. 

"Then it goes to WADA to sanction it - or not. 

"It gives you a lot of confidence and I trust that system.

"It's about use and abuse, and we've never abused the system."