Valkenburg – The International Cycling Union (UCI) said Saturday they were still awaiting a report from the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) into the alleged doping record of Lance Armstrong, whom Usada have branded a drug cheat.
Usada said last month that Armstrong would be banned for life and his results since 1998 – including seven Tour de France titles won from 1999-2005 – would be expunged due to “numerous” alleged violations.
Earlier this month, the UCI requested a full account of the agency's findings but have yet to receive them, UCI president Pat McQuaid indicated.
“The dossier which Usada has certainly prepared will allow for clarification on points which remain open in this affair,” said McQuaid, adding that one of thoe points was the issue of who has jurisdiction when it comes to sanctioning the athlete.
McQuaid added that, barring any major unforeseen problem, “the UCI do not intend to appeal” the Usada sanctions to the Court of Arbitration for Sport “but we need verification” of wrongdoing.
With Usada competent to pronounce sanctions covering only the United States it would normally be for the sport's governing body the UCI to extend sanctions globally and strip Armstrong of victories achieved in Europe.
Cancer survivor Armstrong said after Usada pronounced they were stripping him of his record that he would not seek to clear his name through independent arbitration, effectively throwing in the towel against what he regards as a witchhunt and pointing to the fact he never failed any of hundreds of dope tests.
Armstrong continues vehemently to deny doping during his career and had questioned Usada's authority to ban him but the agency says they have as many as 10 witnesses prepared to testify to the racer's drug use while adding they believe the UCI and Tour de France organisers should honour their findings under the World Anti-Doping Code. – Sapa-AFP