Cycling chiefs facing criminal probe

Published Nov 2, 2012

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Zurich – International Cycling Union leaders Pat McQuaid and Hein Verbruggen are facing a criminal complaint from Irish journalist Paul Kimmage for allegedly defaming him and fraud in protecting Lance Armstrong while he doped to win seven Tour de France titles.

Kimmage's lawyer, Cedric Aguet, tells The Associated Press that a 28-page file was submitted on Thursday to the Swiss local prosecutor's office near UCI headquarters.

Aguet says the dossier concerns “possible massive fraud” if the UCI's present and former presidents helped Armstrong avoid scrutiny.

The Swiss lawyer says prosecutors could decide “within two weeks” to open criminal proceedings.

Kimmage filed the complaint six days after McQuaid and Verbruggen suspended their defamation case against him. In an interview with Kimmage, former Armstrong teammate Floyd Landis said the UCI leaders acted corruptly. – Sapa-AP

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