Brian Cookson confirms he is seeking four more years as UCI president

Brian Cookson has confirmed that he is seeking a second term as president of world cycling’s governing body, the UCI.

In a statement, he said: "I am seeking the continued trust and support of the cycling community, so we can build on the progress that we have made together over the last four years."

The UCI presidential election takes place in September at the World Cycling Congress, which takes place during the road world championships in Bergen, Norway.

The 65-year-old former British Cycling president was elected to the top job at the UCI in 2013 after beating incumbent Pat McQuaid, who had been UCI president since 2005.

The Briton’s campaign pledged sweeping reform of the sport including in anti-doping and gender equality, but the pace of change has been too slow for many.

In the past year, he has also been in the spotlight due to the UK Sport-ordered review into allegations of bullying and discrimination at British Cycling including while he was in charge, as well as the UK Anti-Doping investigation into the Jiffy Bag delivered to Team Sky at the 2011 Criterium du Dauphiné.

Cookson himself may well receive a challenge this year to his leadership of the global governing body, with David Lappartient, president of the Union of European Cycling (UEC) and a former president of the French Cycling Federation, tipped to throw his hat into the ring.

Launching his campaign, Cookson said: 

Our sport has come a long way in just four years.  By working together we have made huge progress.  People tell me they are proud to be involved with our sport and with the UCI once again.  Cycling is more open, more transparent, more international and more inclusive than ever before.

It’s great to see this change of direction when back in 2013 there were repeated concerns about a lack of credibility, transparency, and integrity, with the UCI often in the shadow of scandal. 

We have made a great start but there is much more that needs to be done.  That’s why I’m standing for a second and final term as UCI President.  I want to lock in the progress that, together, we have made over the past four years, and make further progress by delivering my six point plan to keep cycling growing globally.

This strategic plan will drive growth across all cycling’s disciplines, accelerate our international development, champion cycling for transport and leisure, ensure there is equal opportunity for men and women to participate and compete, build on our restored credibility and ensure the UCI continues to  drive excellence in our operations.

Over the past four years, we have achieved a lot together.  Now I am asking again for your support, to help deliver this six point strategic plan, keep cycling growing globally, and finish the work I am so passionate about.

You can find his full manifesto here.https://www.briancookson.org/manifesto-introduction