Independent commission to examine UCI role in Armstrong affair

World cycling governing body, the UCI is to set-up an independent commission to look into the allegations made against it following the US Anti-Doping Agency's investigation into Lance Armstrong.

The three-year investigation has uncovered allegations that Armstrong made donations to the UCI in order to cover-up a failed doping test and that the US Postal Team were given advance warning of visits from testers.

UCI President Pat McQuaid and his predecessor have also agreed to suspend their defamation case against Irish journalist Paul Kimmage until after the commission releases its findings.

The UCI has come under intense criticism and scrutiny before and since the publication of USADA's 1000-page reasoned decision document, which concluded Armstrong and his United States Postal Service team ran ``the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen''.

Three-time Tour winner Greg LeMond is among those to call for a change of leadership, but president Pat McQuaid and his predecessor Hein Verbruggen, now honorary president, have stood firm.

Allegations were levelled at the UCI for accepting donations from Armstrong, and, although any wrongdoing is denied, the management committee will commission an independent investigation.

The UCI statement added: “In order to ensure that UCI and cycling could move forward with the confidence of all parties, the governing body also decided to establish a fully independent external commission to look into the various allegations made about UCI relating to the Armstrong affair.

“The committee agreed that part of the independent commission’s remit would be to find ways to ensure that persons caught for doping were no longer able to take part in the sport, including as part of an entourage.”

Moves will begin next month, with recommendations to be published no later than June 1, 2013.

“UCI is determined to turn around this painful episode in the history of our sport,” McQuaid said.

“We will take whatever actions are deemed necessary by the independent commission and we will put cycling back on track.

“Today, cycling is a completely different sport from what it was in the period 1998-2005.

“Riders are now subject to the most innovative and effective anti-doping procedures and regulations in sport.

“Nevertheless, we have listened to the world’s reaction to the Lance Armstrong affair and have taken these additional decisive steps in response to the grave concerns raised.”

British Cycling president Brian Cookson tonight said: “The UCI has taken another worthwhile step in its response to the USADA investigation into Lance Armstrong.

“I can assure everyone that my UCI management committee colleagues and I are unanimous in our determination that this independent commission will just be the start of the process and nothing will be off the agenda.

“Cycling must and will learn the lessons of the Armstrong era.”

Meanwhile, the governing body has confirmed that none of Armstrong's professional titles will be re-allocated and they are also demanding that the American and his fellow dopers return any prize money they earned.