Listened to Cope's evidence to the Select Committee on iplayer. Thought I would share what I took to be highlights. It was nice to see MPs of all stripes digging into a story that didn't add up.
(Chair begins by noting that the ill Dr Freeman refused video link.)
The story was, as Cope would be in the area anyway, he was asked to take the sealed jiffy bag on this trip. BUT... The travel schedule for this flight, booked before the jiffy bag was given to Cope, meant Cope would fly out from Gatwick to Geneva, hire a car, drive a couple of hours to the stage finish, pick up Sutton, and drive back to the airport for return flight that night. A lot of travel for a few hours at the finish. Why fly Cope out for a few hours visit at the race finish? What was the purpose of this trip meant to be if not a delivery? Cope had no answer, just doing what his boss asked. He thought he might bring back some bikes?
The idea he might be bringing back some bikes was questioned, as Sky booked him a car not a van.
There was no paperwork associated with the delivery from any party at any time.: when Cope was given the package, or when Freeman received the package.
Cope: this is the only time he has ever delivered a package to a team doctor.
Probably 5 or 6 MPs questioned the propriety of bringing a sealed bag, contents unknown, through airport security and customs, and misleading security officials regarding his knowledge of contents.
MPs: Sky cares more about the package than they care about you, asking you to lie to security. Cope admits that if this was a PED, he would now be implicated. Cope agrees he has been left to dangle by Sky.
Under aggressive questioning, Cope admits he finds some gossip about doping in cycling to be credible. MP: So why didn't he ask about the contents of this medical package? Cope: He didn't believe BC was doping
Disagreed with a piece of Sutton's evidence to Committee, who said Cope picked up Sutton and brought some equipment back. Cope says he brought nothing back.
(Chair begins by noting that the ill Dr Freeman refused video link.)
The story was, as Cope would be in the area anyway, he was asked to take the sealed jiffy bag on this trip. BUT... The travel schedule for this flight, booked before the jiffy bag was given to Cope, meant Cope would fly out from Gatwick to Geneva, hire a car, drive a couple of hours to the stage finish, pick up Sutton, and drive back to the airport for return flight that night. A lot of travel for a few hours at the finish. Why fly Cope out for a few hours visit at the race finish? What was the purpose of this trip meant to be if not a delivery? Cope had no answer, just doing what his boss asked. He thought he might bring back some bikes?
The idea he might be bringing back some bikes was questioned, as Sky booked him a car not a van.
There was no paperwork associated with the delivery from any party at any time.: when Cope was given the package, or when Freeman received the package.
Cope: this is the only time he has ever delivered a package to a team doctor.
Probably 5 or 6 MPs questioned the propriety of bringing a sealed bag, contents unknown, through airport security and customs, and misleading security officials regarding his knowledge of contents.
MPs: Sky cares more about the package than they care about you, asking you to lie to security. Cope admits that if this was a PED, he would now be implicated. Cope agrees he has been left to dangle by Sky.
Under aggressive questioning, Cope admits he finds some gossip about doping in cycling to be credible. MP: So why didn't he ask about the contents of this medical package? Cope: He didn't believe BC was doping
Disagreed with a piece of Sutton's evidence to Committee, who said Cope picked up Sutton and brought some equipment back. Cope says he brought nothing back.