Cookson Receives Further Support for UCI Presidency from Canada and New Zealand

Brian Cookson has received more support in his campaign to become the next International Cycling Union (UCI) President, herbal in the shape of Cycling Canada and BikeNZ.

The support from Canada and New Zealand follows the news that Cycling Australia and the British Olympic Association (BOA) were backing Cookson to defeat current UCI President Pat McQuaid.

John Tolkamp, President of Cycling Canada, said: “We believe Mr. Cookson is best positioned to deliver the necessary change and will drive the kind of organisational change we feel is necessary for cycling to reach its extensive potential.

“He has shown he is not willing to stand for a corrupt sport and he recognises the need for a collaborative approach with all stakeholders going forward.”

The Lance Armstrong doping scandal and in-fighting at the UCI has left McQuaid in a tough position coming into the elections.

Cookson has promised to restore faith in the sport in his manifesto and BikeNZ supported his ideas.

The board of BikeNZ said in a statement: “BikeNZ believes the UCI needs structural changes in the way it is governed and in the battle against doping. It also needs to become a more transparent organisation that can regain the trust of the cycling community and wider public.

“Brian Cookson will advocate for these changes and based on his success with British Cycling we believe he can bring about the positive changes cycling needs.”

On his new found support, Cookson commented: “I’d like to thank Cycling Canada and BikeNZ for their support at such an important time for my campaign.  We share a real commitment to restoring the credibility of the UCI and developing all levels of cycling globally and their backing adds further momentum to my campaign.”

BOA support Cookson

Cookson has been President of British Cycling since 1997 and has been credited for saving the organisation from insolvency.

The BOA declared their support for Cookson and praised his efforts and achievements for the sport in his country.

A BOA statement read: “Brian Cookson has contributed enormously to the sport of cycling in the UK over the past 15 years, both in helping to deliver international success and growing the sport at the grassroots and community levels.

“We believe that Brian would make an excellent UCI President, provide real leadership in the international arena and help rebuild trust and credibility in the sport of cycling internationally.

“BOA Chairman Seb Coe has recently written to each of the UCI Confederation Presidents to express the BOA’s full support for Brian’s bid to lead the UCI, and we will continue to support him all the way through to the election where we hope he will be successful.”

The UCI Presidential election takes place on September 27 during the 2013 UCI Road World Championships in Tuscany.