UCI names 3-member panel to probe Armstrong links

[November 30, 2012]  AIGLE, Switzerland (AP) -- The International Cycling Union says British judge Philip Otton, Paralympic great Tanni-Grey Thompson and Australian lawyer Malcolm Holmes will investigate the governing body's links to the Lance Armstrong doping case.

The UCI says the panel will meet in London from April 9-26, and report by June 1.

The UCI asked Court of Arbitration for Sport board president John Coates to help create an independent commission to investigate suspicions raised by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's damning report into widespread doping by Armstrong's teams during his seven Tour de France victories.

The governing body denies claims it covered up suspicious samples from Armstrong and took cash in exchange.

UCI President Pat McQuaid says selecting the panel "demonstrates clearly that the UCI wants to get to the bottom of the Lance Armstrong affair."

[Associated Press]

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