UCI President Brian Cookson Outlines Priorities for the Next Two Years

photo credit @ UCI 

UCI President Brian Cookson Outlines Priorities for the Next Two Years

Two years since being elected President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Brian Cookson addressed members of the global cycling family at the 184th UCI Congress in Richmond, Virginia this week. 

In a wide-ranging speech, Cookson provided a comprehensive update on progress achieved since he was elected UCI President in September 2013 and outlined what the UCI will work to achieve in the second half of his first term as President including:

• The creation of the UCI Women’s WorldTour starting in March 2016;
• Expansion and enhanced professionalisation of men’s professional road cycling to continue progress in restoring credibility and globalisation;
• Continued innovation including integrating BMX Freestyle Park into the UCI calendar and creating the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships starting in 2017;
• Supporting the UCI’s major event hosts to ensure they create and drive a tangible legacy of greater participation in cycling;
• Securing enhanced media rights deals for the UCI’s flagships properties.

Addressing the 184th UCI Congress, Brian Cookson said: “I have a very clear and simple vision for what the UCI should ultimately be here for which is to work in true partnership with its Continental Confederations and National Federations to create great cycling events across the world, and to inspire people of all ages to be part of cycling – whether as a recreational rider, a commuter, an elite competitor or fan. This mission will drive me as I continue as UCI President.

“We have made significant progress over the past two years in terms of rebuilding trust and faith in the UCI and cycling, and in growing the sport globally. Everyone in the cycling family can feel the growing confidence our sport is now seeing from broadcasters and other stakeholders in light of the progress we are making to rebuild trust. There is much to look forward to as I focus on delivering the remainder of my Manifesto and creating an environment where cycling can flourish and prosper.”

It was also confirmed at the UCI Congress that the UCI Ethics Commission has been strengthened with the appointment of a fully independent new member for the next four years. Bernard Foucher (FRA) – a CAS arbitrator, former administrative tribunal judge and former advisor to the French Government – will join Richard Leggat (President, NZL), John Tolkamp (CAN) and Marcel Wintels (NED) that have been retained from the previous cycle.

Richard Leggat said: “The Commission views its independence as extremely important and is seeking two further independent members. Along with two new members, the main task for the Commission is to redraft the UCI Code of Ethics. The current Code has been found to be lacking in a number of areas including its jurisdiction and application. We plan to present a new Code to Congress next year. The Commission would also like to state that it is pleased with the progress made by the UCI Management Committee on matters raised twelve months ago, especially regarding improved transparency and regulation”.

Harald Tiedemann Hansen, President of the Norwegian Cycling Federation (NCF) since 2008, has been elected as the newest member of the UCI Management Committee, filling the vacant position left by the passing of Peder Pedersen earlier this year. Mr Tiedemann Hansen, who was elected as UEC Vice-president in 2013, has vast experience in cycling and oversaw many successful events including the 2014 UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships during his seven years as NCF President.

The UCI was also delighted to welcome Iceland, Kosovo, Mauritania, and Vanuatu as new National Federations, taking the membership up to 185 – the highest in UCI history.

Brian Cookson added: “I welcome the appointments to the UCI Ethics Commission for the next four years and the addition of our newest Management Committee member, Harald Tiedemann Hansen. I know that they will all work tirelessly for the benefit of our sport and their appointments have certainly reinforced the new robust governance and organisational structures at the UCI.

“I’d also like to extend a very warm welcome to our newest National Federations from Iceland, Kosovo, Mauritania, and Vanuatu, taking our membership up to 185. As we move forward it is vital that we take our sport to new frontiers, embrace new cultures and provide better access to cycling opportunities and equipment for everyone, especially young people – providing fertile ground for our sport to prosper amongst a new generation of cyclists.”