UCI introduces a rider hotline
Following the worst doping scandal in the history of the sports, UCI management has decided to setup a hotline that will allow the riders to contact the authorities in case of any doping related information.
The aftermath of USADA doping in to the American Cyclist, Lance Armstrong calls created an alarming situation and the sports regulating bodies have started to take necessary measures in order to ensure that such issues do not recur.
Armstrong and several of his teammates in the former side, Team US Postal used systematic doping to achieve the desired results for almost a decade.
USADA’s detailed report on the issue, consisting of almost 1000 pages and statements from several former cyclists was enough to bring the American down for the count, as it not only cost him all the victories he claimed, but also the respect that he earned
over the years.
The 41-year-old cheated to win as many as seven overall titles at the Tour de France (1999-2005) and has now been stripped-off from all the past victories through 1998 onwards.
It was a disgraced moment for the American when the final decision on his case was made but also, a lot of fingers were raised on the credibility of UCI as to how they allowed such an offense to continue right under its nose for such a long time.
Introducing the hotline is a way to make things easy and transparent and especially to ensure that even if someone tries to use unfair means to increase his performance, he does not get un-noticed for years and years.
The UCI wants to be “as accessible as possible, and in particular to you the riders, should you wish to discuss issues or concerns relating to doping”.
“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'”.
“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”.
Mc Quaid will also meet all the World Tour and Professional Continental teams personally in December to ensure a clean sporting culture
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