Brian Cookson's first full UCI Management Committee meeting has agreed major changes aimed at "restoring trust in the UCI and laying the foundations for renewed growth in cycling worldwide."
Cookson, the former head of British Cycling, ousted the incumbent McQuaid in September, riding on a platform of fundamental reform. It was announced yesterday that Cookson, who has stated that his mission is to "rebuild" and "repair some of the damage that has been caused to the sport of cycling in recent years," will take a pay cut of £77,000.
Further measures agreed at the meeting include a full audit of the UCI's anti doping operations - possibly resulting in a new wholly independent drug testing unit; the establishment of an international development commission to review the promotion of cycling worldwide; and support for the new Women's Cycling Commission aimed at "delivering a step change in women's cycling."
Perhaps the most controversial step announced was the implementation of an independent commission examining "past wrongdoing at the UCI" and the "extent and roots" of doping in cycling.
The BBC is reporting that the disgraced former superstar cyclist Lance Armstrong "could play a key part" in this inquiry.
During Cookson's presidential campaign, Armstrong personally tweeted Cookson asking if he had "any plans to convene a Truth and Rec Commission to FULLY understand the mistakes of previous generations?"
It is reported that, following Armstrong's headline-grabbing revelations on Oprah Winfrey in January of long-term drugs cheating, Armstrong's representatives have been contacted to gauge whether he would be willing to give evidence to a commission - although there remains doubt about what part, if any, Armstrong would be happy to play.
There is also speculation about the ambit of any commission; it has been suggested that materials seized from UCI's Swiss headquarters following Cookson's election - apparently including a laptop belonging to McQuaid - may form part of the commission's investigations.
In the days following Cookson's election, the UCI announced that it would be dropping its legal case against journalist Paul Kimmage. Proceedings had been instigated by McQuaid and another former UCI chief Hein Verbruggen following allegations that the UCI was complicit in covering up doping.
Speaking after the meeting, Cookson spoke of the challenges to come: "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."
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