The UCI will set up a confidential doping hotline for riders in the aftermath of the Lance Armstrong scandal.
UCI president Pat McQuaid outlined the proposal in an e-mail to members of cycling’s world governing body. The hotline will allow riders to “discuss issues or concerns relating to doping”.
The move comes as the UCI seeks to re-build trust between itself, riders and the public.
“We need to do more to ensure that the UCI is as accessible as possible, and in particular to you the riders, should you wish to discuss issues or concerns relating to doping,” said McQuaid, who insists that cycling is “cleaner than ever before”.
“That is why, during the coming weeks, also after a small time frame to set up the logistical side, the UCI will be looking into establishing a new open line – a confidential ‘hotline’.”
McQuaid continued: “I know that it will take some time to build trust and confidence in this new line of communication, but I am confident that, with the best intentions from both sides, we can build that trust. And by doing so, we will accelerate the change in culture that we need in our sport.”
McQuaid used the e-mail to reject accusations that the UCI has not always acted upon information it has received in the past.
“We are aware that some riders have complained publicly that despite having shared knowledge with the UCI, there was an inadequate follow up,” said the Irishman.
“I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that the UCI did act on information provided in the past and it will always do so in the future, within the bounds of what is legally feasible.”
McQuaid confirmed that John Coates, the president of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport, has agreed to recommend the composition of an independent commission that will investigate allegations made against the UCI following the Armstrong scandal.
The names of the panel members will be announced “as soon as the commission is convened” and a report will be published no later than June 1 2013.
“You can be confident that the UCI will take whatever actions are deemed necessary to put cycling back on track,” said McQuaid.
