The UCI has appointed Emile Vrijman, the former director of the National Anti Doping Agency in The Netherlands (NeCeDo), and his law firm Lamsma Veldstra & Lobé attorneys, to be independent investigators in the 1999 Tour de France urine samples case. According to the UCI, Mr Vrijman and his team will attempt to "clarify facts" related to the analysis of the samples, which have implicated Lance Armstrong and several others, who have not been formally identified, in an EPO-related doping affair.
"As WADA has informed the UCI of its intention to open an investigation, the UCI is concerned that such an investigation from WADA as an involved party, would be based on aspects out of its competencies," the UCI said in a statement. "The UCI's decision to appoint an independent investigator is supported by numerous authorities, both in sports, as well as in Anti – Doping. The UCI expects all relevant parties to fully co-operate with the investigation.
"Finally, the UCI wishes to express its full confidence in both the capabilities, as well as the integrity, of Mr. Vrijman and his law firm to conduct the investigation in a thorough and proper manner and is looking forward to the conclusions of their investigation."
Cyclingnews coverage of the L'Equipe allegations
June 27, 2006 - Carmichael defends Armstrong, Armstrong answers L'Equipe & LeMond
June 26, 2006 - LeMond: "Armstrong threatened my life"
June 19, 2006 - Armstrong calls for Pound's exit
June 18, 2006 - Lance Armstrong's open letter against Dick Pound
June 4, 2006 - UCI hits back at WADA
June 3, 2006 - WADA slams the Vrijman report
June 2, 2006 - L'Equipe stands by its story, UCI supports Vrijman's findings
June 1, 2006 - UCI, WADA and Armstrong react to Vrijman's report
May 31, 2006 - UCI lawyer asks for Armstrong's name to be cleared
May 14, 2006 - Two more weeks for Armstrong investigation
Click here for full coverage of the L'Equipe allegations.
