Last night the UCI accepted USADA’s ‘Reasoned Decision’, which includes a lifetime ban from the sport of cycling for Lance Armstrong and stripping him of his seven Tour de France titles.

The Santos Tour Down Under supports the statements of the UCI and in particular UCI President Pat McQuaid’s comments that there is no place for Lance Armstrong in cycling and there is no place for doping in cycling.

This is a very sad day for cycling and for those people who love and support the sport. As shattering as it is, the sport now has an opportunity to move forward.

The Santos Tour Down Under has always and will always operate within the rules of the UCI and its anti-doping policy which is sanctioned by the World Anti Doping Authority.

We look forward to the review being undertaken by the UCI and welcome anything that the sport and the anti-doping authorities do to improve testing and education in the sport.

We look to the future with hope and confidence that the new generation of riders are better educated, better supported and will make better decisions than those before them.

We are confident the 2013 Santos Tour Down Under will continue to enjoy strong support from locals and visitors alike. Preparations for the event’s 15th anniversary celebrations are in full swing and we look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of cycling fans to South Australia for the event.