Kimmage launches legal action against UCI chiefs

Six days after the Union Cycliste International (UCI) suspended their defamation case against author and journalist Paul Kimmage, the Irishman launched a counter-case of his own last night against UCI president Pat McQuaid and former UCI president Hein Verbruggen, accusing the pair of slander/defamation, denigration and “strong suspicions of fraud”.

The former pro rider had intimated in recent weeks via his Twitter page that he was building up momentum for such a legal suit and last night, via his lawyer Cédric Aguet, he lodged a criminal complaint and denunciation against the two individuals who were previously suing him.

Kimmage, who has been hugely critical of the UCI leadership’s response to doping in cycling, launched the proceedings as the impact of the Lance Armstrong affair continues to wreak havoc in the sport. Last night on Twitter he wrote: “I have lodged a criminal complaint against Hein Verbruggen and Pat McQuaid.