Cycling: Anti Doping: Cycling Australia Media Statement

Cycling Australia has welcomed the announcement by the Federal Sports Minister, the Honourable Rod Kemp, of an independent investigation into recent doping allegations.

The investigation, to be conducted by retired Supreme Court Justice, the Honourable Robert Anderson QC, will inquire into and provide recommendations on the allegations made by Mark French in his evidence to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The full terms of reference and the reporting date will be confirmed by the Minister in coming days.

“As we have said from the outset we are determined to get to the bottom of this issue and we welcome the support of the Federal Sports Minister in setting up this inquiry,” said Graham Fredericks, Chief Executive Officer of Cycling Australia. “All of our cyclists, coaches and staff are fully prepared to cooperate with this investigation.”

They are understandably distressed by the allegations and believe they, like all Australians, are entitled to be considered innocent unless they are proven guilty of an offence.”

The terms of the inquiry relied on whether Mr French would allow his testimony to the court to be used in the course of an investigation and his legal advisers confirmed yesterday his permission for Cycling Australia to do so.