Cycling’s world governing body the UCI has issued a statement about Lance Armstrong’s decision not to fight the USADA charges against him, saying that it is expecting a full explanation from the American agency of the sanctions which the Texan could face.
More restrained in tone than some of the earlier communications from the UCI, today’s statement said that the UCI would not comment further until those details were provided.
“The UCI notes Lance Armstrong’s decision not to proceed to arbitration in the case that USADA has brought against him,” it said.
“The UCI recognises that USADA is reported as saying that it will strip Mr. Armstrong of all results from 1998 onwards in addition to imposing a lifetime ban from participating in any sport which recognises the World Anti-Doping Code.
“Article 8.3 of the WADC states that where no hearing occurs the Anti-Doping Organisation with results management responsibility shall submit to the parties concerned (Mr Armstrong, WADA and UCI) a reasoned decision explaining the action taken.
“As USADA has claimed jurisdiction in the case the UCI expects that it will issue a reasoned decision in accordance with Article 8.3 of the Code. Until such time as USADA delivers this decision the UCI has no further comment to make.”
USADA CEO Travis Tygart told VeloNation yesterday that all of the Texan’s results from August 1st 1998 would be removed, and that he would be unable to participate in many sports. This will include cycling events and also many triathlons, Armstrong’s new focus.
The UCI had previously opposed USADA’s action against Armstrong, disputing its jurisdiction, but earlier this week told VeloNation that it would accept federal judge Sam Sparks’ decision in the case.
Sparks said that arbitration was the correct avenue to proceed rather than the federal courts. He was however critical of the UCI, USADA and others, saying that their clashing over the case was harmful to the sport.