Today team Sky principal David Brailsford appeared before a special parliamentary committee to provide an explanation about the mysterious package that has engaged the cycling world for several months. "Doctor Freeman told me that it was Fluimucil that was in the package,” Brailsford said.

"Let’s just be clear, I wasn’t aware of the package at the time. When it was brought to my attention, it is my role to take those matters seriously to try and gather the facts and see if there was any need for a disciplinary procedure. My first course of action was to speak to all of the guys on the team,” he explained.

“I spoke to everybody involved, I got witness statements, and then I couldn’t see that there was any anti-doping rule violation. However, I also felt that it was probably appropriate to pass that on and have it viewed by an independent authority who could verify the fact."

Fluimicil is a product which helps to get rid of mucus. Acetylcysteine, the active substance in Fluimicil, is allowed under certain conditions. According to Cyclingnews, WADA allows Fluimucil to be used to teat coughs and sore throats.

Simon Cope of British Cycling brought the packet to the team. 

"The fact of the matter was that Simon Cope was already flying out,” Brailsford said. “What we have on a regular basis, is people moving in and out and when you become aware of people moving in and out then, if you need anything, you can ask people to bring things with them. I think that is maybe where the whole situation has been misled is that the sole purpose for Simon Cope at the end of the Dauphine wasn’t expressly to bring and deliver a package."

The whole thing came to light earlier this year when hackers obtained access to data from Bradley Wiggins. Shane Sutton who worked for British Cycling told the committee that the package was for the Tour de France winner of 2012. However, Sutton denied knowing what was in the package. 

“I authorised to have it sent down with Simon Cope. There was a request to have it sent down and that’s not unusual,” explained Sutton. “The doctor asked me in a conversation, ‘do you know of anyone coming down logistics wise, I need some stuff delivering and I said Cope was coming down’.”