Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche find themselves out of high profile UCI positions in a move linked by Pat McQuaid to his own ousting from the presidency of the world governing body.
By Brian Canty
Former UCI president Pat McQuaid believes the removal of Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and Irish race official Michael Robb from key posts in the world governing body is linked to his recent departure, having been beaten in a September election by Brian Cookson.
Kelly had been a member of the UCI Road Commission while Roche was on the Professional Cycling Council (PCC). However, it has now emerged that both Irish men have lost those posts for the year ahead.
McQuaid believes their removal from the jobs is “collateral damage” following his own ousting from office.
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"I am to some extent not surprised, but at the same time there are few more experienced people in world cycling than Sean and Stephen," he said.
“It would seem that they are collateral damage to my loss, which is a pity and now Ireland has no influence in world cycling,” he added.
As well as that, the suspending of the Commissaire’s Commission – which featured Antrim man Michael Robb – represents another reduction to Ireland’s presence on cycling’s world stage.
While Robb would not be well known in the wider cycling community, his name has been around international bike races for many years and he would have a profile within the group of people that runs racing.
Kelly’s and Roche’s departures from their positions are permanent.
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However, the Commisaire’s Commission is likely to be re-instated at some point in the future and Robb may be retained.
Said McQuaid: “Kelly is one of the most experienced people in cycling and he's currently involved in the system in running a team.
“Roche has a son doing well at the highest level and would therefore obviously get feedback from him as to what is going on in the peloton on a load of issues - doping, race length, transfers, rest days, race radio - all elements that Roche Snr could then bring forward to the PCC.”
Michael Robb has officiated at major races and directed the Tour de Langkawi. But he appears to have been put out in the cold by the UCI, at least for now.
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