Paul Kimmage, the journalist who was sued by the UCI for defamation after claiming foul play by the UCI in handling Lance Armstrong’s doping allegations as well as taking money from Armstrong, has filed a counter suit. The suit was filed in Switzerland claiming “strong suspicions of fraud” and was done on behalf of Kimmage and similarly dismissed whistleblowers Floyd Landis, Stephen Swart, Frankie Andreu, Christophe Bassons, Nicolas Aubier, Gilles Delion, Graham Obree and others who’ve spoken out against the UCI.
Now, apparel brand Skins has filed their own suit claiming damages to their reputation through their sponsorship association with cycling teams governed by the UCI. Their full statement is on their website and boils down to this: The UCI’s handling of anti-doping measures, in particular the inactions of Pat McQuaid and Hein Verbruggen with regard to the case against Armstrong, have damaged the credibility of sponsors associated with the sport. They’re seeking damages of $2,000,000. The statement finishes with this:
“Skins’ demand against the UCI sends out a serious corporate message that the support of partners and sponsors in any world sport cannot be abused and must be preserved by unimpeachable leadership. The unequivocal overhaul of cycling can only be achieved by a credible and capable governing body. In serving this action, Skins’ is also serving notice that the UCI is not currently the organisation that cycling needs it to be. For the last 22 years, there have been 2 people at the head of this organisation and we allege that they are directly responsible for the culture of denial within the UCI. It’s past time for change.”
