Three days after the composition of the commission to look into the UCI and its dealings with Lance Armstrong, the US Postal Service team and the issue of doping in cycling was confirmed, a deadline has been set for the receipt of information from witnesses.
Although the conclusions from the enquiry are not due to be presented for six months, a release from the commission stated today that written submissions of evidence must be submitted no later than December 31st, four weeks from now.
“An Independent Commission, initiated by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and chaired by The Right Honourable Sir Philip Otton, will hold a hearing in April 2013 in London,” it stated on the new website, www.UCIIC.org.
“The Commission will look into issues and allegations arising out of the Reasoned Decision of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), of 10 October 2012, in relation to Lance Armstrong and the US Postal Service Team. Following this hearing the Commission will provide the UCI with its report and recommendations.”
Witness testimony was of fundamental importance for USADA’s investigation, with 26 people speaking out, of which eleven were former team-mates of Armstrong.
Some of those such as Floyd Landis and Tyler Hamilton testified under oath that Armstrong had bragged that the UCI had covered up a positive test for EPO at the 2001 Tour de Suisse.
Witnesses have been requested to come forward at this point, with email and postal address provided. “The Commission invites all persons in possession of information that may assist the Commission in relation to the Terms of Reference to contact the Commission, with a written summary of their evidence and documents,” it stated.
While it seems logical that this should be the case, the communication did not indicate that information provided will be treated as confidential at this point in time.
Those attending the Change Cycling Now press conference today were told that some riders were reluctant to speak out against the UCI for fear of retaliation.
Apart from Otton, UK House of Lords Peer and Paralympic Champion Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson plus the Australian lawyer Malcolm Holmes QC will make up the commission panel.