• Lance Armstrong

Armstrong lined up for UCI doping inquiry

Lance Armstrong admitted to doping in an interview with Oprah Winfrey © Getty Images

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Lance Armstrong is being lined up for a position on the UCI's independent commission into doping, according to reports.

Cycling's governing body have contacted Armstrong's representatives, according to the BBC, to sound him out on his willingness to speak to the inquiry. New UCI president Brian Cookson is hoping the inquiry can rid cycling of its doping culture.

Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles last year after the UCI accepted the findings of the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (Usada) investigation into systematic doping. Armstrong chose not to contest Usada's charges having always denied taking performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career, but admitted to doping in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Usada gave Armstrong, 41, a life ban for orchestrating "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen".

But it is unknown is Armstrong if willing to fully divulge his doping past, and the UCI are believed to be reluctant to offer him any guarantees in return.

Armstrong had used his Twitter account in June to challenge Cookson to set up a commission to investigate doping in the sport.

Question for @cooksonforuci - any plans to convene a Truth and Rec Commission to FULLY understand the mistakes of previous generations?

— Lance Armstrong (@lancearmstrong) June 20, 2013

Speaking after a UCI management committee meeting on Tuesday, Cookson said: "We have made important decisions on women's cycling, international development, the establishment of a fully independent anti-doping unit and an independent commission to look into allegations of UCI wrong-doing.

"There is a huge amount of work to do in the coming months and beyond, but I am excited by the passion and support my colleagues have shown for implementing a real programme of change for the good of cycling."

Cookson is also believed to have consulted the World Anti-Doping Agency and Usada over putting together a fully independent unit to carry out all future drug testing in cycling.

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