Cycling Commission; PyeongChang Broadcast Agreement

Independent Cycling Commission Hopes to Appeal to New Information

Dick Marty, the chair of the International Cycling Federation’s (UCI) Independent Reform Commission, appealed to athletesto come forward with any new information that could help the commission Tuesday.

"The primary purpose of our investigation is not to punish doping offenders but to learn from the past so we can help ensure a better future for cycling," Marty said in a statement.

"We will treat all witnesses fairly and have much work to do over the coming year. I hope, with the cooperation of the cycling family, the sport has a unique opportunity to learn lessons and regain trust."

The commission even offered reduced bands for athletes that come forward to share information.

"The reduced bans will obviously apply to people who have not been already sanctioned," Marty said on a conference call to reporters.

Lance Armstrong, subject to a lifetime ban from the sport of Cycling, was singled out as a former athlete the commission hopes to bring forward.

UCI has funneled approximately $3.35 million into the commission, one of the major pillars of new president Brian Cookson’s manifesto.

"There will an invitation to anyone who comes forward, Lance Armstrong or anybody else. Please come forward and offer your information to the commission," Cookson told reporters.

PyeongChang Sigh Broadcasting Contract

Officials from PyeongChang 2018 and the Olympic Broadcasting Services signed the official Olympic Broadcast Cooperation Agreement in a ceremony Tuesday.

The ceremony took place at the International Broadcast Center and was signed by PyeongChang 2018 Secretary General J.S. Kim, IOC Director General Christophe DeKepper, and IOC Legal Adviser Francois Carrard.

The agreement lays out the cooperation between PyeongChang 2018 and OBS up to and through the 2018 Winter Olympics.

"We have managed to conclude this agreement without any problems whatsoever," OBS CEO Yiannis Exarchos said at the signing.

"A number of months ago we visited PyeongChang and we have seen firsthand the efforts that are being made to stage the Games which we believe are going to be fantastic."

Costas Sidelined

For the first time since 1988, someone other than Bob Costas will anchor a prime time Olympic broadcast for NBC.

The longtime sports broadcaster has battled an eye infection during his time in Sochi. While his eyes have appeared red and puffy during multiple broadcasts, Costas now says the condition is affecting his ability to read and see video.

In his place, Today Show host Matt Lauer will step in for the night. Lauer hosted the Opening Ceremony on Friday.

Costas remains in good spirits and hopes to return soon, saying in an NBC release, "The last thing I want is to go through the rest of my life owing Matt Lauer a bunch of favors."

Homepage photo from Getty Images

Written by Aaron Bauer and Nick Devlin

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