Cycling Independent Reform Commission asks riders for testimony
The newly formed Cycling Independent Reform Commission (CIRC) introduced the ground rules and stipulations of its one-year investigation on Tuesday. The three-panel commission is asking members of the sport of cycling to come forward and provide testimony about knowledge of doping practices between 1998 and 2013.
For current licence holders, a reduced ban and possibly immunity could be granted in exchange for testimony and any additional information.
In January, the International Cycling Union (UCI) introduced the members of the CIRC that will investigate the history of doping in the sport, including whether or not the UCI played a role in covering up such practices.
The panel’s president is Dick Marty, a senior Swiss politician and former state prosecutor, and the two vice-presidents are Ulrich Haas, a specialist in anti-doping rules and procedures, and Peter Nicholson, a former military officer who specializes in criminal investigations.
“The primary purpose of our investigation is not to punish doping offenders but to learn from the past so we can help ensure a better future for cycling,” Marty said. “We will treat all witnesses fairly and so I urge anyone in the cycling community with information that can help our investigation to come forward. We have much work to do over the coming year and I hope, with the cooperation of the cycling family, the sport has a unique opportunity to learn lessons and regain trust.”
The UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) are giving the CIRC some decision-making power over the sanctioning, allowing the commission to offer reduced bans depending on the information provided.
The investigation will cost 3 million Swiss Francs and will be fully funded by the UCI, however, president Brian Cookson stated that the investigation will operate completely independent of the sport’s governing body.
“Today marks an important step in understanding the past and restoring the credibility of our sport,” Cookson said. “The Cycling Independent Reform Commission will not only help us learn from the past, but will also play an important role in shaping our future processes and practices. I committed to this process before I was elected in September 2013 and I’m pleased to see the CIRC fully operational only a few months later. It is essential that the Commission is left to get on with its investigation on a completely independent basis and I have ensured that all the structures are in place to allow this to happen.”
The CIRC’s terms of reference have been published.
