International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid has welcomed Lance Armstrong's confession that he took performance-enhancing drugs on his way to winning seven Tour de France titles.

There had been suggestions in the past that Armstrong had paid UCI to clear him of any doping offences, but McQuaid believes that the American's confession is a step forward in repairing the reputation of the sport.

A statement from McQuaid read: "Lance Armstrong's decision to finally confront his past is a big step in the long road to repairing the damage to cycling and to restoring confidence in the sport.

"Armstrong has confirmed that there was no collusion or conspiracy between the UCI and Lance Armstrong, that there were no positive tests that were covered up and he has confirmed that the donations made to the UCI were in the fight to assist the UCI against doping."

Armstrong confessed during an interview with American talkshow host Oprah Winfrey.