Newsflash. Brian Cookson, british cycling, to stand against Pat McQuaid (SUI) for uci

[thehog]

Sounds like he means business. But how will he deal with the "Hein" issue?

CN: In the last few years, although Pat McQuaid has distanced himself from Verbruggen’s role in some ways, he still casts a shadow over the UCI in some regards and one could say he still pulls the strings in Aigle. Would you agree with that sentiment?

Cookson: I know that there is still quite a close relationship between Pat and Hein and I’ll leave it for others to judge whether that’s a good thing or not. I’m not in anybody’s camp, I’m an independent candidate and I’ve got the support of my colleagues in British Cycling. I’m not going to make any promises to anybody that I can’t deliver, or do any deals to get elected. I’m going to try to remain an open, honest and transparent candidate.

CN: Since the Reasoned Decision from USADA in the Lance Armstrong, US Postal affair what were the main failings from the UCI and what would you have done differently?

Cookson: Well, I think we went a long way down the route of an independent commission which turned out not to be a viable and workable solution. I think that was probably a regrettable activity and course of action. What I am concerned about now is that several months after that was abandoned we’ve not got a workable solution. We’ve not got the support of WADA and the other stakeholders in producing an alternative to that. That’s absolutely vital in my mind, to get something underway that has got the support of those other chief stakeholders. I’ve got some ideas on that which I’ll go into when I announce my manifesto but clearly we need to put all that to bed quickly and we need to have an independent enquiry into the allegations against the UCI, and we need to make sure that’s transparent, quick and happens within the space of a few months. We need to restore confidence and integrity in the UCI. I’m not sure that we can do that without radical changes within the UCI.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/q-and-a-uci-presidential-candidate-brian-cookson

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Sounds like he means business. But how will he deal with the "Hein" issue?



http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/q-and-a-uci-presidential-candidate-brian-cookson

Like I said earlier, competition is very good.

Hein is the single most powerful figure in cycling. Can't build a program publicly stating the goal is to take him out. Candidate won't get far. However Cookson understand what needs to be done if he gets elected. Can he execute? Dunno, but we know Phat can't.

 

[purcell]

Pat responds

http://s4.skins.net/misc/NFs_Presidents_UCI_elections_4_3_6_2013.pdf

Phat could have just himself liable to a number of legal issues with that letter.

Childish.

 

[thehog]

Phat could have just himself liable to a number of legal issues with that letter.

Childish.

Activists! They have banded together!

First, it is clear that a small group of activists has banded together to try, by whatever means, to hijack and derail my candidature in the coming election. Their agenda is narrow and negative. They have nothing positive or constructive to offer in discussions about cycling’s future

and veiled threats - that must be Parker

Second, over the past few weeks, I have received a number of veiled threats whose clear intention has been to try to force me to withdraw my candidacy. You can be sure, however, that I will not be intimidated by people who have no interest in transparent democracy, either now or in the future.

 

[MatParker117]

I think you missed the point.

At this stage the only candidate standing is Cookson.

If McQuaid were not to be nominated by Ireland or Swizterland then Cookson wins by default.

Whereby Mr. Parker infers that Cookson and his "friend" (direct quote) James Murdoch were to published stories on McQuaid then it would be game over. No vote. McQuaid would not be nominated due to "stories" in the press.

I didn't like the fact that Cookson would use a friend to win him the election.

Cookson is a UCI presidential candidate.

The inference was a threat. I agree with you it's a statement of fact but it was still a threat. It's my opinion. It may not be the opinion of others. Matt is welcome to contest it. I doubt he will.

McQuaid has a lot to anwser for but suggesting stories might get printed is not what we're looking for in the next UCI president.

That's what we have now. What's to suggest if Cookson does call in favours from Mudoch to win him the election it won't happen again on a other issue? Say Sky or British rider testing positive?

Not good enough from Matt.

I assume he's now applying marginal agains to the election?

My tongue was so far in my cheek that it burst through and is now touching my ear.

 

[thehog]

My tongue was so far in my cheek that it burst through and is now touching my ear.

You do have a big head so that's saying something

It's ok Matt we'll let you off your name dropping on the Murdoch's

 

[Freddythefrog]

Phat could have just himself liable to a number of legal issues with that letter.

Childish.

I thought there were many good bits about it. Reminded everyone about the earlier public pronouncements by Cookson, and given a modest gust of wind that Cookson will do a 180° without a second thought. Given that the guy is going for the "I'm the straight one here" ticket, it just blows apart that myth.

It also shows that less than 5 months ago Cookson thought the UCI was making progress and had a good record over recent years. Now, apparently, that analysis was mistaken.

Look Cookson is long term local authority and has been dealing with local politicians for a long time. In those kind of places ducking and diving, dodging and weaving, weasel words come easy.

 

[Dr. Maserati]

I thought there were many good bits about it. Reminded everyone about the earlier public pronouncements by Cookson, and given a modest gust of wind that Cookson will do a 180° without a second thought. Given that the guy is going for the "I'm the straight one here" ticket, it just blows apart that myth.

Sure,,he has changed his mind on minimum wages for women - which he has no control over and gets him zero votes. It is pretty meaningless.

It also shows that less than 5 months ago Cookson thought the UCI was making progress and had a good record over recent years. Now, apparently, that analysis was mistaken.

Look Cookson is long term local authority and has been dealing with local politicians for a long time. In those kind of places ducking and diving, dodging and weaving, weasel words come easy.

Pat and Cookson, one is smart, one looks smart and both are devious, neither will bring change.

Laughed a great deal about the guy on the board being done for ethics violations by the UCI. I want to print that out and carry it in my wallet to my grave. It is not possible to write this stuff.

But again, that analysis was before MCQ killed off their own UCI Independent Commission.

No doubt he is playing the PR game - but changing opinion is not inconsistency.

 

[Cyivel]

No doubt he is playing the PR game - but changing opinion is not inconsistency.

Nothing wrong with changing your mind but when you do it is the issue.

 

[Dear Wiggo]

Let’s investigate the continuing allegations, let’s put them to bed once and for all in an independent way that’s transparent and I’ll certainly guarantee to publish those results. We’ve got to be absolutely clear that the UCI has to be cleaner than cleaner and if it hasn’t been in the past then we have to do something about it. I’ve not evidence at this moment in time, and I hope there’s nothing there but if there is we’ll bring it out into the open.

lolololololololololololololol

You lost me at "transparent", "guarantee", "publish" and "results".

 

[thehog]

lolololololololololololololol

You lost me at "transparent", "guarantee", "publish" and "results".

Wait till he takes over and realises that 75% of the peloton is still on the gear.

I'm sure he knows that already.

He just needs to get into power then it can be ZTP mark II.

 

[Freddythefrog]

Sure,,he has changed his mind on minimum wages for women - which he has no control over and gets him zero votes. It is pretty meaningless.

But again, that analysis was before MCQ killed off their own UCI Independent Commission.

No doubt he is playing the PR game - but changing opinion is not inconsistency.

Lovin it The guy makes it up as he goes along

Cookson: I want to try and do a lot more to help develop women’s cycling. Previously I’ve said that it wasn’t the right time to introduce a minimum wage but I’ve looked at that again and I think the situation has developed and what we probably need now is a two tier system where we do set a minimum wage for the highest level of pro teams for women.

Back in January he was on the Guardian web site telling everyone that now was not the right time and more development was needed. Nothing has developed since then apart from inside his head. As to doing a lot more to develop women's cycling, he has had several years on the Board to do something and he has done absolutely nothing.

At Sky and at more importantly at BC,where he has to comply with a charter for non sexist discrimination in provision he had the ability to get a women's team going. That he allowed Brailsford to spout about getting one pro team with all the GB riders in it for London and how wonderful this was and yet they could not be bothered to do anything for the women, tells us that he is duplicitous. A Sky women's team and the press attention it would bring would transform women's road cycling. He and Brailsford were sat in exactly the right spot and the decision came both before London and after London. remember that time when Brailsford was spouting all that nonsense about supporting the girls on the road. Nothing. convicted by his own inaction.

So that puts him absolutely neck and neck with Pat.
Hot air - check.
Action - nothing observed - check.

Way to go dudes, so difficult to choose.

 

[MatParker117]

Lovin it The guy makes it up as he goes along

Cookson: I want to try and do a lot more to help develop women’s cycling. Previously I’ve said that it wasn’t the right time to introduce a minimum wage but I’ve looked at that again and I think the situation has developed and what we probably need now is a two tier system where we do set a minimum wage for the highest level of pro teams for women.

Back in January he was on the Guardian web site telling everyone that now was not the right time and more development was needed. Nothing has developed since then apart from inside his head. As to doing a lot more to develop women's cycling, he has had several years on the Board to do something and he has done absolutely nothing.

At Sky and at more importantly at BC,where he has to comply with a charter for non sexist discrimination in provision he had the ability to get a women's team going. That he allowed Brailsford to spout about getting one pro team with all the GB riders in it for London and how wonderful this was and yet they could not be bothered to do anything for the women, tells us that he is duplicitous. A Sky women's team and the press attention it would bring would transform women's road cycling. He and Brailsford were sat in exactly the right spot and the decision came both before London and after London. remember that time when Brailsford was spouting all that nonsense about supporting the girls on the road. Nothing. convicted by his own inaction.

So that puts him absolutely neck and neck with Pat.
Hot air - check.
Action - nothing observed - check.

Way to go dudes, so difficult to choose.

BC and Sky were a big factor in setting up Wiggle Honda if they can get a hold of Vos or Armistead Wiggle Honda will more than likely become SKy Womens Pro Cycling.

 

[thehog]

BC and Sky were a big factor in setting up Wiggle Honda if they can get a hold of Vos or Armistead Wiggle Honda will more than likely become SKy Womens Pro Cycling.

But the press releases said it was the Brad Wiggins Foundarion and SKINs who kicked it off with BC?

How did Sky sneak their name in there?

 

[Dr. Maserati]

Nothing wrong with changing your mind but when you do it is the issue.

No, it's not when - it's why, always the why.

He actually hasn't answered that well yet - as Freddy pointed out, he says something developed without saying what that is (and no obvious reason).

But this is a minor issue, and appears to be PR. Sort out the credibility issue in competitive cycling and the sponsors will come, then how the money is divided can be discussed.

 

[MatParker117]

But the press releases said it was the Brad Wiggins Foundarion and SKINs who kicked it off with BC?

How did Sky sneak their name in there?

Team provides support and advice.

 

[Freddythefrog]

BC and Sky were a big factor in setting up Wiggle Honda

Entirely incorrect

Wiggle Honda will more than likely become SKy Womens Pro Cycling.

Correct

The Team support and advice came later, when it was safe to go into the woods cos they would not be got.

 

[The Hitch]

BC and Sky were a big factor in setting up Wiggle Honda if they can get a hold of Vos or Armistead Wiggle Honda will more than likely become SKy Womens Pro Cycling.

No. If they bought vos they would become the bmc of women's cycling. Sky would be if they turned Laura trott into vos.

 

[Freddythefrog]

A dynamic duo

Sky 2014, men's and women's teams. Tour and World TT champion Froome matched with World number 1 and World RR winner Vos. It could be superb.

 

[Don't be late Pedro]

No. If they bought vos they would become the bmc of women's cycling. Sky would be if they turned Laura trott into vos.

I think everyone knows that Laura Trott is too lovely to dope (if that is what you are implying).

 

[purcell]

Ok, I've been working too damn much and not paying attention, I admit my manifold sins.

But,

I thought Phattie had lined up the Swiss to nominate him and assure his triumphant return. Did the Swiss back out? What happened?

 

[horsinabout]

Lovin it The guy makes it up as he goes along

Cookson: I want to try and do a lot more to help develop women’s cycling. Previously I’ve said that it wasn’t the right time to introduce a minimum wage but I’ve looked at that again and I think the situation has developed and what we probably need now is a two tier system where we do set a minimum wage for the highest level of pro teams for women.

Back in January he was on the Guardian web site telling everyone that now was not the right time and more development was needed. Nothing has developed since then apart from inside his head. As to doing a lot more to develop women's cycling, he has had several years on the Board to do something and he has done absolutely nothing.

At Sky and at more importantly at BC,where he has to comply with a charter for non sexist discrimination in provision he had the ability to get a women's team going. That he allowed Brailsford to spout about getting one pro team with all the GB riders in it for London and how wonderful this was and yet they could not be bothered to do anything for the women, tells us that he is duplicitous. A Sky women's team and the press attention it would bring would transform women's road cycling. He and Brailsford were sat in exactly the right spot and the decision came both before London and after London. remember that time when Brailsford was spouting all that nonsense about supporting the girls on the road. Nothing. convicted by his own inaction.

So that puts him absolutely neck and neck with Pat.
Hot air - check.
Action - nothing observed - check.

Way to go dudes, so difficult to choose.

Welcome to the wonderous world of cycling..........check.

Not sure about a Sky team for women, if it is going to be anything like the Sky team for men............check

Minimum wage for Women, slightly better than nothing at all.........check

Getting women on bikes campaign by BC, buying bikes with their minimum wages........check

Publicity to sell more bikes to a growing female interest in fitness cycling......check

Pendleton rubbishy Halfords bikes that can be easily afforded on mimimum wage........check (saw a women riding one on the weekend and she had gear trouble.....check)

I know, want great publicity for women's cycling "babes on Bikes" campaign on the general forum thread. Has over 3,000,000 hits.........go check

 

[bobbins]

It'll be great for Sky and Dave Brailsford and that's about it.

How is road cycling getting on in the UK? Dying on its **** that's how.

How many tests have been smothered under Cooksons leadership? Anyone know or are they just rumours.

By all accounts a good guy but impartial? Not sure. His son works for Team Sky, I'm sure a thorough and proper recruitment process was followed but BC / Sky / Cookson are properly entangled.

I fear it will be more of the same but with slicker PR.

 

[LugHugger]

It'll be great for Sky and Dave Brailsford and that's about it.

How is road cycling getting on in the UK? Dying on its **** that's how.

How many tests have been smothered under Cooksons leadership? Anyone know or are they just rumours.

By all accounts a good guy but impartial? Not sure. His son works for Team Sky, I'm sure a thorough and proper recruitment process was followed but BC / Sky / Cookson are properly entangled.

I fear it will be more of the same but with slicker PR.

Hundreds more buying bikes and riding. Bike shops expanding and offering fit consultations. Depends on how you measure success. It's certainly true to say that road racing is struggling as clubs find laying on a sportive is far more profitable and less stressful than organising a race.

 

[86TDFWinner]

I don't give a crap if this guys murdered 30 people, he's got to be better than the current UCI president. A blind, deaf, dumb person is better than fat Pat.