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Following the news that UCI vice president and president of the UCI professional cycling council David Lappartient has opted to run against him for the presidency, Brian Cookson has released a statement discussing his intention to remain in the role.
Cookson, who has been in the position since 2013, came unde fire earlier this year when a panel consisting of British Cycling and UK Sport members criticised the running of British Cycling – an organisation Cookson led from 1996 to 2013.
A full statement from Cookson reads:
“I strongly believe that my track record of restoring integrity and credibility to the UCI, and developing cycling over the past four years, together with my plans for a final four year term as president, will be judged favourably by the cycling family at the UCI Congress in Bergen in September.
“Many things which have been achieved over the last four years of my leadership of the UCI across anti-doping, governance, transparency, women’s cycling, communication and the development of the sport. Having recently had confirmation from the IOC that at the Tokyo Games, we will have additional medals for men’s and women’s events in both the Madison and BMX Freestyle, I am proud that cycling is now the third largest Olympic sport.
“Having changed the constitution of the UCI to introduce term limits and improve the election process after the controversial events of four years ago, I respect other people’s right to announce their candidature. I note that so far David Lappartient has not set out very much detail in his plan or any vision he may have beyond his well known personal ambition for the role. I look forward to debating what matters for the future of cycling over the coming months.”
The vote will take place in September at the UCI Congress in Bergen, Norway.
