Brian Cookson has set out a series of pledges that he hopes will deliver him the UCI presidency when he goes head-to-head with Pat McQuaid in September
British Cycling president, Brian Cookson has launched a six-point manifesto that he hopes will form the backbone of a successful challenge to oust Pat McQuaid from the post of UCI president when the election for the role is held in September.
Cookson has placed “revolutionising the approach to anti doping” at the top of his agenda as he faces into what promises to be a robust election campaign with the Irishman.
He describes the sport of cycling as “inspiriting and beautiful” but says fans of cycling need a sport they can believe it.
“The reality is that the UCI is not trusted, our anti-doping is not seen to be independent and we do not have the trust of WADA and other key agencies,” he writes in his lengthy blueprint for running the UCI should he get the top job.
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“It is essential that we stop the UCI’s public feuding with WADA, the AFLD, USADA and others.”
He also believes a key challenge is the separation of the UCI from the role of policing cycling for doping, saying that role needs to be surrendered to an independent body.
“At present it is independent in name only, located at UCI headquarters, down the corridor from the president’s office, with all cases managed by the UCI legal department. This is not independence.”
“If elected president I will rapidly establish a completely independent anti-doping unit in cooperation with WADA, managed and governed outside of the UCI, so that people can have absolute confidence in our sport.”
“It would be physically and politically separate from the UCI, responsible for all aspects of anti doping, and report to a board totally independent from the UCI. This is something that I commit to having in place in the first year of my presidency.”
“I have supported for a long time much harsher penalties for athletes found guilty of doping and I fully support the provisions in the new WADA code proposals to increase the length of bans from two to four years. But we must not simply focus on riders; the ‘doping enablers’, the managers, team staff and doctors must also be pursued with vigour and appropriate sanctions placed on those found to be complicit in aiding athlete doping.”
Under the second of his six points – “embrace openness and transparency” – Cookson pledges to publish the remuneration attached to the role of president, something that McQuaid has not done. He also pledges an end of the system whereby the UCI president acts as chief executive of the organisation; thus proposing sharing the running of the world governing body with other people.
And he has promised to establish an investigation into allegations of UCI corruption and to give riders’ representation on the UCI board.
Of the corruption probe he says: “This process will include working with WADA to ensure that athletes and others who co-operate with that investigation are treated properly, in the same way that USADA managed its investigation into Lance Armstrong.”
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“I will ensure that this is done in the first six months of my presidency, with the report and its findings fully published and key recommendations implemented swiftly.”
His third section – “to grow cycling worldwide” – includes the ambitious aim of cycling becoming the “number one” sport on all five continents.
“Much more can be done to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise to less developed nations, and I am proud that the coaching and education materials that the UCI uses throughout the world for track, road, MTB and BMX were developed by my federation. I shall create the structures and incentives for a series of development initiatives between federations.”
The fourth point in the would-be UCI president’s plan is to “develop women’s cycling”. Cookson believes this can be aided by the establishment of a new women’s cycling commission and the promotion of new events and broadcast initiatives.
He also wants to pursue a system of gender quotas via the appointment of at least one woman on every UCI commission, and plans to improve the “employment standards” of women in pro teams.
He writes in his manifesto: “If the UCI is to become a modern and progressive international federation, we must ensure that there are rules specifying teams guarantee a minimum wage for women pro road riders and proper, modern terms of employment. I commit to achieving this in my first year in office.”
His fifth point is to “overhaul the structure of elite road racing”; involving a simpler and more cohesive calendar and the establishment of “a strong global series of tiered races for up-and-coming athletes” and races.
“Business principles must be embraced to help teams secure long term investment that will make for a healthier employment environment. A more stable economic environment will also help us promote strong ethical standards.”
Cookson’s sixth and final point is a general promise to “embrace the future together”.
He concludes his manifesto with the following remarks: “The UCI and cycling face some huge challenges as we look to the future. But our great sport also has some incredible opportunities - if we can grasp them.”
“I believe that in my in career in cycling I have personally demonstrated the leadership qualities to do just that. Restoring trust and leading change are the first steps to take.”
He adds: “I am determined to be a listening president, and so I welcome communication with anyone who has a positive contribution to make to our great sport.”
“I believe we need a new UCI defined by genuine collaboration and a strategy to deal with the issues we face rather than reacting to situations as they arise. I hope you are able to support me in embracing the future together.”
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