Cycling: UCI boss rules out doping amnesty

World cycling chief Pat McQuaid ruled out an amnesty for riders who took performance-enhancing drugs.

MAASTRICHT: World cycling chief Pat McQuaid yesterday ruled out an amnesty for riders who took performance-enhancing drugs during their careers. McQuaid was speaking a day after the International Cycling Union (UCI) adopted a motion at their annual Congress to focus on the anti-doping effort in order to provide a clean environment for future riders. The Irishman said they would not be setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission where could admit to their doping pasts in order to clean up the sport for the future. "The UCI Steering Committee discussed the possibility of an operation similar to what South Africa knew at the end of apartheid with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission," said McQuaid. "The conclusion was that it would be inappropriate to take any action while the USADA/Armstrong affair is underway and, in addition, the Global Code does not provide for any amnesty.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd, 2012.