Berne: Cycling’s governing body will not comment on the US Anti-Doping Agency’s (USADA) decision to strip Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles until it gets the full reasoned decision, it said on Friday.
American Armstrong said on Thursday he would no longer fight doping charges by the USADA, which quickly said it would strip him of his titles and ban him from competitive cycling.
“The UCI (International Cycling Union) notes Lance Armstrong’s decision not to proceed to arbitration in the case that USADA has brought against him,” said the Swiss-based UCI in a statement.
“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 (Armstrong, the World Anti-Doping Agency 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.”
