UCI turn to fans to improve image

CYCLING fans could soon be given access to team radios as well as in-car and bike-mounted cameras as the sport attempts to win back public support following its doping crisis.

CYCLING fans could soon be given access to team radios as well as in-car and bike-mounted cameras as the sport attempts to win back public support following its doping crisis.

The sport's governing body, the UCI, has turned to the people via an online survey asking for ways to improve its battered image in the wake of the Lance Armstrong doping affair.

The UCI said it was investigating ways to make the sport more spectator-friendly, including major advancements in its television broadcasts.

Suggestions to make the sport "more attractive" include giving fans access to radio communication between director and riders, fitting every rider with a GPS device to allow them to be tracked at all times, and installing cameras in team cars and on the front of riders' bikes.

The survey also revealed the UCI had been asked to investigate the following steps to stamp out drug cheats:

- FORCING team doctors and coaches to be certified by an independent body.

- MAKING all teams adopt a consistent anti-doping program.

- GIVING team management access to the rider whereabouts system.

- CAPPING the number of days a rider is allowed to race each season.

- HITTING teams with fines and UCI points deductions if a rider is caught doping.

- INCREASING the severity of sanctions from what is commonly a two-year ban for a first offence.

The survey asked for feedback on the proposed measures as well as whether they supported an amnesty for dopers to come forward.

Respondents are anonymous and results will be presented to the UCI management committee mid-year.

According to the UCI website, the survey aims to deliver ''a bright future for cycling''.

"(It) will assist the UCI in deciding what changes and measures should be introduced to improve the organisation, functioning and image of cycling," a statement said.