Cookson, President of British Cycling, made the pledge during an open question and answer session on the micro-blogging site, Twitter.

Armstrong, stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after he admitted doping throughout his career, took his opportunity to quiz the Briton during the 30 minute session which is part of his campaign to unseat Pat McQuaid, the controversial Irishman who has held the post since 2006. 

"Question for @cooksonforuci - any plans to convene a Truth and Rec Commission to FULLY understand the mistakes of previous generations?" wrote Armstrong, who has nearly four million followers. 

"Would support a full truth and rec process if legal and practical hurdles can be overcome," replied Cookson.

Cookson was also asked what the timescales would be in trying to deal with the reports that the UCI were involved in a cover-up to protest Armstrong during his carer.

"I would prioritise the allegations which implicate the UCI in cover-ups. Must be investigated independently and quickly," he wrote.


Earlier plans for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission were scrapped by McQuaid due to lack of support from the stakeholders over its terms of reference and also the cost, which is estimated could be as high as $10 million (£6.5 million/€7.5 million). 

Cookson is due to officially launch his manifesto in Paris next Monday (June 24) but gave a glimpse into what we can expect with some of his answers.

These include tougher sanctions against anyone involved in doping, not just cyclists.

"I fully support WADA's (World Anti-Doping Agency) move to longer bans but musn't focus just on riders, but also doping enablers," he wrote on Twitter.

He later added: "Definitely believe that the sanctions should impact more broadly than just on individual riders."

He also promised to continue to back initiatives to help make cycling more popular in Africa, try to get national federations to help grow the sport at grassroots level and for the UCI to offer more support for women riders.

"Absolutely believe UCI needs to take women's cycling much more seriously. It is currently lagging way behind," he wrote.

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