McQuaid was “disturbed” by the Armstrong interview but says the UCI never colluded and the sport is cleaner now
UCI president Pat McQuaid has said while he was disturbed by Lance Armstrong’s television interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey, the disgraced ex Tour de France winner had clearly stated he was never aided by the UCI in his drug taking.
In a statement issued by the UCI following the interview broadcast early this morning Irish time, McQuaid and the world governing body welcomed the fact Armstrong had confessed to his drug use.
McQuaid added in the statement: “Lance Armstrong’s decision finally to confront his past is an important step forward on the long road to repairing the damage that has been caused to cycling and to restoring confidence in the sport.”
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“Lance Armstrong has confirmed there was no collusion or conspiracy between the UCI and Lance Armstrong. There were no positive tests which were covered up and he has confirmed that the donations made to the UCI were to assist in the fight against doping.”
“It was disturbing to watch him describe a litany of offences including among others doping throughout his career, leading a team that doped, bullying, consistently lying to everyone and producing a backdated medical prescription to justify a test result.”
“However, Lance Armstrong also rightly said that cycling is a completely different sport today than it was 10 years ago. In particular the UCI's introduction of the biological passport in 2008 – the first sports federation to do so - has made a real difference in the fight against doping.”
“Finally, we note that Lance Armstrong expressed a wish to participate in a truth and reconciliation process, which we would welcome.”
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