The independent commission set up by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to investigate the Lance Armstrong doping scandal has been disbanded.
World (Wada) and US anti-doping (Usada) agencies refused to co-operate with it.
The inquiry will now be replaced by a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
UCI president Pat McQuaid described the change as “the best way to examine the culture of doping in cycling in the past and to clear the air so that cycling can move forward”.
McQuaid added that the commission was being disbanded following talks with Wada president John Fahey.
“Fahey confirmed Wada’s willingness to help the UCI establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), as well as saying that Wada had no confidence in the existing independent commission process,” added McQuaidHowever, both Wada and Usada had previously said they would not co-operate with the UCI’s inquiry, which had led the UCI to conclude that any report would be dismissed as “not being complete or credible”.
The independent commission was adjourned last week until 31 January, with Baroness Grey-Thompson telling UCI counsel Ian Mill: “It amazes me that we’ve had no documents whatsoever.”
After announcing its decision to shut down the independent commission, the UCI said the TRC process would launch later this year – and that its report would be published in full.
McQuaid added: “We will now focus our efforts on establishing a TRC with which we expect Wada to be fully engaged, to look at doping in professional cycling, as well as the allegations contained in the Usada reasoned decision.
“The work that has so far been undertaken by the commission will be shared with the TRC.”
The UCI had agreed to provide an amnesty for those giving evidence to the independent commission.
Last week, British cycling coach Sir David Brailsford questioned the need for a truth and reconciliation process, saying: “Already I think there is a wealth of information that you can actually start taking action on and putting tangible things in place.”
