Cycling integrity review must consider lessons of history

Associate Professor Craig Fry responds to Federal Sports Minister Kate Lundy's recent announcement of an independent review of Cycling Australia.

"The minister sees this review 'as an opportunity to improve governance and anti-doping practices across the board,' and hopes it will restore public confidence and trust in the integrity of Australian cycling."

"We saw a similar stance eight years ago after the national scandal around the alleged use of equine growth hormone and steroids by cyclists at the Australian Institute of Sport. We had a review back then too. Little has changed since."

"Surely one thing the Armstrong case has taught us is how the spectre of criminalising drugs in sport can result in widespread collateral damage.

Moving on quickly from the Armstrong episode to minimise damage to Australian cycling makes sense. However, a rushed integrity review is no way to inform policy, and it won't get us to the truth of drugs and doping in Australian cycling."

"Today's leaders and officials in Australian cycling should take the time to understand these factors, and the environmental and systemic conditions that facilitate them. This is the best way to develop informed and effective responses to the issue of drugs in cycling in this country."

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