Lance Armstrong lifetime ban could be reduced

Recently elected UCI president Brian Cookson stated that if Lance Armstrong is willing to provide information that could help the UCI’s current and past doping investigations, the former cyclist’s lifetime ban could be reduced. Since Cookson’s election in September 2013, he has formed the Cycling Independent Reform Commission designed to act in an unbiased manner following the accusations of UCI cover-ups in the past. The ultimate goal of the commission is to investigate the history of doping in professional cycling and expose prior cover-ups with the aim of preventing future scandals.

In order for the UCI to reduce the ban on Lance Armstrong, it would require the support of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). At this stage, the UCI does not have the power to reduce Armstrong’s lifetime ban; however, they certainly can influence WADA and USADA.

Cookson said that if such an arrangement were made, it is contingent on the type and value of information that Armstrong is willing to provide. Cookson cited the need of approval from of both U.S. and world anti-doping agencies if he were to forge ahead with cycling’s version of a plea agreement.

Cookson’s announcement has certainly sparked a response as would be expected with any statement involving disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong. Many are implying that Cookson is being presumptuous and rather lenient given he does not have the authority to reduce anyone’s ban. There are many who are dead set against any flexibility with regard to Lance Armstrong’s ban.