• Cycling

I won't call Lance, says UCI president

ESPN staff
January 23, 2014
Lance Armstrong was banned for life in 2012 © PA Photos
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UCI president Brian Cookson has reiterated that it is up to Lance Armstrong whether the disgraced rider speaks to an upcoming drugs inquiry.

Armstrong, who is banned for life, has said in interviews he is still waiting to be approached by UCI officials over their truth and reconciliation commission that will look into cycling's dark past.

There have been suggestions Armstrong could see his ban reduced if he were to cooperate, although any such move would need to be approved by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, who gave Armstrong his suspension in 2012.

"He won't get a phone call from me," Cookson said. "I am deliberately not speaking to anyone involved. That's the job of the [UCI's independent] commission. Lance Armstrong will be able to contact them, just the same as everyone else.

"I am aware that Armstrong is keen to contribute, but I've kept one step backward from the process. I don't want to be seen as interfering in any way.

"[Any possible ban reduction for Armstrong] depends on what information he has and what he's able to reveal."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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