• Cycling

UCI to wait on Armstrong case

The International Cycling Union has reacted cagily to the news that the US Anti-Doping Association intends to strip Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles.

It comes as Armstrong announced that he would not fight doping charges filed against him, and, while he maintained his innocence, admitted defeat in what he described as a "witch hunt" by USADA chief executive Travis Tygart.

"There comes a point in every man's life when he has to say, 'Enough is enough'. For me, that time is now," Armstrong said. "I have been dealing with claims that I cheated and had an unfair advantage in winning my seven Tours since 1999."

The UCI will now wait for the USADA to explain the outcome of the case and details as to why Armstrong is to be stripped of his titles before commenting.

It may decide to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, either against the USADA ruling, or to gain jurisdiction over the case - as the governing body responsible for carrying out doping tests while Armstrong competed.

"The UCI notes Lance Armstrong's decision not to proceed to arbitration in the case that USADA has brought against him," the UCI said 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 (Mr Armstrong, WADA 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."

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