Brian Cookson launched an impassioned defence of his record as the president of the UCI, cycling’s world governing body, after criticism from Lance Armstrong, who called for an end to the Briton’s time in charge.
Cookson will face a tougher than anticipated battle to be re-elected after David Lappartient, the vice-president, announced he is standing in opposition.
The 65-year-old did not expect to face a challenge, particularly from Lappartient, but Armstrong has given the Frenchman his backing. The disgraced American, who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after doping, responded to the surprise announcement by tweeting: “ABC (Anybody But Cookson).”
Reacting to Lappartient’s move, Cookson, who is bidding for a second term as the president in September’s election, suggested he had the stomach for a fight.
He said: “I strongly believe my 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.
“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.”
Cookson was elected for a first term as the president in September 2013 after 16 years as the head of British Cycling. A report into the culture of British Cycling found deep-seated problems had existed during his tenure, leading some to cast doubt on his suitability to lead the UCI. Damian Collins MP, the chair of the culture, media and sport select committee, called for Cookson to be “dethroned”.
UK Sport, the funding body, contributed £77,000 to Cookson’s election bid in 2013 but will not provide any monetary contribution to his re-election campaign, although they have pledged to lend expertise.
Lappartient said: “I have always voiced my concerns on the various challenges I have witnessed at UCI, and as a vice-president of the organisation, I have been made aware of a number of issues that must be urgently addressed if cycling is to remain a credible sport.”
The 44-year-old added: “It is crucial we have at UCI a president with a real leadership, who is truly engaged and with a clear vision for cycling.”
