Cookson Unveils Further Anti-Doping Strategies

International Cycling Union (UCI) presidential candidate, Brian Cookson, has revealed seven further anti-doping measures to his manifesto, in the wake of scepticism surrounding the Tour de France.

Tour de France winner Chris Froome had to constantly answer questions related to doping due to his convincing win and Cookson (pictured) described the situation as ‘frustrating.’

However, he also said that cycling cannot be surprised by the questions, because of the Lance Armstrong scandal and the UCI’s public feud with anti-doping bodies.

Cookson now wants to see an end of these feuds, a new investigation into doping in cycling, greater transparency, compliance officers, four year bans for cheats, fit and proper person’s tests and to expand education.

In an official statement, Cookson said: “This year’s Tour de France has seen many heroic performances yet there has been a mood of scepticism and doubt in some quarters.

“This is deeply frustrating for the riders but, if you look at the past and what our sport has been through, it is not a surprise.

“We must act to change this situation so that the public can feel confident and cycling’s great performances can be heralded not disparaged.”

WADA fued absurd

Focusing on the UCI’s past fall-outs with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the USA’s section of the WADA, Cookson added: “It is absurd that a sport that has suffered so much from doping has been in open conflict with the very people it should be working in partnership with.

“It is critical that the UCI develops an open, co-operative working relationships with WADA and the National Anti-Doping Organisations.”

Cookson is running for UCI president against the current holder, Pat McQuaid.

The two have become embroiled in a bitter campaign that has seen McQuaid describe Cookson’s manifesto as ‘half-baked’ and Cookson accuse the Irishman of bullying.