Restoring trust, Leading change.

Brian Cookson President of British Cycling Member of UCI Management Committee President of UCI Road Commission My vision Restoring trust, leading change

I am a cyclist. Cycling has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember. It has shaped my personality and I will always be grateful for the sheer enjoyment, inspiration and opportunity that cycling has given me.

The passion I and many others maintaining our responsibilities to In other words, cycling needs a have for cycling cannot hide the WADA. That way people will be change of leadership. I believe fact that our international body, able to have absolute confidence that I have a strong and proven the UCI, remains hugely distracted, in our sport. track record in delivering positive continuing to flounder in waves of transformational change in cycling, damaging historical controversies. It is also critical that we re-build and in a way that is collegiate - not relations with WADA and national confrontational - as my time as For far too many people our sport bodies including the AFLD and President of British Cycling shows. is associated with doping, with USADA. It is absurd that a sport that It is this style of approach that I decisions that are made behind has suffered so much from doping want to bring to the UCI. I will be a closed doors and with ceaseless has been in open conflict with the President who listens and responds conflicts with the cycling family very people it should be working with firm action, not a President and key stakeholders. This situation in partnership with. I will seek their of dictats, conflict and aggressive is deeply damaging for our sport, full co-operation in an independent communication. and it has severely compromised investigation into allegations that the UCI’s ability to develop and the UCI colluded to cover up past I would be truly honoured to be communicate much of the good doping offences. elected UCI President, but I also work that is happening across the understand the magnitude of the world. More broadly, I want to see a UCI challenges we face. I have seen whose culture and way of doing those challenges close-up in my role Against this backdrop, and after things is defined by openness, as a UCI management committee careful consideration, I have decided transparency, and a commitment member since 2009. I have done to stand for the Presidency of the to more collegiate decision-making. my best, with colleagues, to influence UCI. This is because I passionately We need to work for the good of change from within. But now is the believe that the UCI needs to cycling globally, and not protect time to step forward. If elected, I embrace a new way of doing things, vested interests. will do all in my powers to turn my and address, head on, some of the vision of a more open, modern, critical challenges facing our sport. The recent Stakeholder Consultation efficient and outward facing UCI showed that there are many good into reality, in full partnership with all This manifesto outlines my plans to: aspects to the UCI, and many stakeholders in the sport we love. wonderful people working hard in • Rebuild trust in the UCI all branches of our sport, throughout As one seasoned observer wrote • Transform the way anti-doping the disciplines and all around the recently: “Sometimes, you just have is dealt with world. They are there in the staff and to press the re-set button.” • Grow cycling across the globe volunteer officials, in our Continental That time is now. • Develop women’s cycling Confederations, in our National “The UCI must take • Overhaul elite road cycling Federations, in the event organisers, • Strengthen cycling’s credibility in the teams, in our commercial the steps necessary to and influence within the partners, and in the fans, participants restore cycling’s and Olympic Movement and enthusiasts of cycling. That much was clear from the report. its own credibility, in Cycling is not the only sport with particular in relation to problems, but if we don’t have a But the big message that comes Brian Cookson sport that parents can send their out in that same report, time and the public perception children to with absolute confidence, time again, is this Critical Priority then we are failing. The most Recommendation: of cycling’s anti-doping important challenge for the new measures and current President is to restore cycling’s “The UCI must take the steps credibility. This must happen necessary to restore cycling’s leadership.” immediately and my first priority and its own credibility, in particular will be to establish a completely in relation to the public perception independent anti-doping unit. of cycling’s anti-doping measures This will be managed and governed and current leadership.” outside of the UCI, while still A life dedicated to cycling About Brian Cookson

Date of birth: 22 June 1951 Marital status: Married, 3 children Languages: English, French conversation

Sporting Career

I was and am a club level cyclist at road, track, cyclo-cross and mountain biking. I was Regional road champion in 1971 and I enjoy cycling every day. I still compete at Masters level on road and track.

Sports Administration Career For over 40 years, cycling has touched my life, both as a rider and administrator. My cycling experience spans senior level • Member of UCI Management Committee (2009 – current) positions within local, national and international cycling and I • President of UCI Road Commission (2011 – current) have a proven track record of delivering change and success. • UCI International Commissaire (1986 – 2009) incl. Olympic Games, multiple World Championships and international stage races • President of UCI Cyclo-Cross Commission (2009 – 2011) • President of British Cycling Federation (1996 – current) • Represented cycling on British National Olympic Committee (1997 – current)

British Cycling

When I was elected President in 1996, British Cycling was almost bankrupt and sporting successes were modest. I have been re-elected unopposed every year since then and have developed British Cycling into a highly successful federation which is trusted, professionally run and governed. It is now a well funded organisation, attracting significant public and commercial funding and it is leading an unprecedented growth in our sport at all levels

British Cycling has, under my presidency, achieved the following:

• Multiple UCI Road, Track and BMX World Championship gold medals including Mark Cavendish, Nicole Cooke, Emma Pooley, Sir Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Jason Kenny, Laura Trott, Shanaze Reade, Lucy Garner and Dame Sarah Storey • 19 Olympic gold medals • 28 Paralympic gold medals • One Tour de France winner (at time of writing) • Unprecedented growth in participation – over one million more people have taken up recreational cycling since 2009 • A surge in membership taking the total past 75,000 from less than 15,000 in 1996 • Over 350,000 opportunities for young people to experience coaching and competition delivered through the Go-Ride Programme since 2009 • A new strategy to get one million more women cycling by 2020 that has already had success • Campaigning on issues affecting all cyclists such as road safety, influencing policy at the highest level • Cutting edge coaching materials for road, track, MTB and BMX for British cycling which are now used worldwide by the UCI • A growth in the number of competitive events by 29% between 2009 and the end of 2012

Professional Career (retired March 2013 following 40 years of professional experience)

• Chartered Landscape Architect, Urban Designer and Regeneration specialist • Executive Director of Regeneration, specialising in Urban Renewal • Over 30 years’ experience of senior level management in the public sector • Member of Chartered Management Institute

My pledges

1 Revolutionise 2 Embrace 3 Grow cycling 4 Develop 5 Overhaul the 6 Embrace our approach to openness and worldwide. women’s structure of elite the future anti-doping. transparency. cycling. road cycling. together. Revolutionise our approach to anti-doping

• Completely independent anti-doping • Seek immediate peace with WADA • Pursue and punish the ‘doping enablers’ “Harsher penalties will act as a greater deterrent to the minority that want to Our sport is inspiring and beautiful. the corridor from the President’s WADA Code proposals to increase cheat, as will greater Fans want to believe. We just need office, with all cases managed by the the length of bans from two to four to give them something to believe UCI legal department. This is not years. But we must not simply focus effectiveness in testing, in. However, doping has robbed independence. on riders; the ‘doping enablers’, the both in and out of our sport of its credibility too many managers, team staff and doctors times and continues to do so despite If elected President I will rapidly must also be pursued with vigour competition.” the improvements that have been establish a completely independent and appropriate sanctions placed on introduced. The reality is that the anti-doping unit in cooperation with those found to be complicit in aiding UCI is not trusted, our anti-doping is WADA, managed and governed athlete doping. not seen to be independent and we outside of the UCI, so that people do not have the trust of WADA and can have absolute confidence in Harsher penalties will act as a greater other key agencies. our sport. It would be physically deterrent to the minority that want and politically separate from the to cheat, as will greater effectiveness It is essential that we stop the UCI’s UCI, responsible for all aspects of in testing, both in and out of public feuding with WADA, the anti doping, and report to a board competition. But what is important AFLD, USADA and others. I will totally independent from the UCI. above all else, is that the UCI seek immediate peace with these This is something that I commit to removes itself from the management key organisations, and engage with having in place in the first year of my of anti-doping so that people can them to resolve areas of dispute. Presidency. have confidence that the future will Crucially we must ensure that anti- be different from the past. We can’t doping is wholly and genuinely I have supported for a long time afford another false start and more independent of the UCI. At present much harsher penalties for athletes broken promises. it is independent in name only, found guilty of doping and I fully located at UCI headquarters, down support the provisions in the new

My Pledge.1 My Pledge.2

Embrace openness and transparency

• Publish President’s remuneration and potential conflicts • Independent investigation of allegations of UCI corruption • End the UCI President acting as a de facto Chief Executive • Clear separation between UCI governance and management • Ensure riders are represented on UCI Board

I will make the UCI more transparent I also believe it is critical that there and open in the way it conducts is a clear separation between “I will make the UCI more business, and I will lead by example. governance and management at transparent and open in the Anyone that has worked with me the UCI. I will not be a de facto knows my collegiate and open Chief Executive Officer as has way it conducts business, approach and it is this style of been the case under previous and I will lead by example. governance and decision making Presidents. Under my presidency, the that I want to embed in the UCI. Management Committee will operate Anyone that has worked like a modern Board of Directors, with me knows my collegiate As a first step, I will guarantee setting overall strategy for the UCI, that all my financial interests, with the senior UCI management and open approach and it is remuneration package, and any team tasked with implementing that this style of governance and potential conflicts of interest to the strategy – a proven, successful model office of President are published. in major organisations globally. decision making that I want to embed in the UCI.” In relation to a full Truth and I want to see a bigger role for the Reconciliation process, while there UCI Athletes Commission and are a number of practical legal issues Professional Cyclists’ Association that require consideration, if these by ensuring they have direct can be overcome, I would welcome representation on the Board. I such a process. What I am absolutely also commit to the appointment committed to is ensuring that any of a Rider Relationship Manager to allegations which implicate the UCI help improve communication with over historic doping cover-ups are professional road riders. fully and independently investigated. I will ensure that we have a quick We must also ensure that stakeholder and effective process to establish consultations are embedded into the facts. This process will include the UCI governance structure, working with WADA to ensure that thereby guaranteeing that third athletes and others who co-operate party views are routinely considered with that investigation are treated as standard practice by the UCI on properly, in the same way that key issues. Regular consultation will USADA managed its investigation make our decision making better into Lance Armstrong. and it will change the culture of our organisation. I will ensure that this is done in the first six months of my Presidency, with the report and its findings fully published and key recommendations implemented swiftly. Grow cycling worldwide

• Establish an International Development Department • Increase investment in World Cycling Centre programmes • Potential to roll-out World Cycling Satellite Centres • Grow cycling’s profile at the Olympic Games • Share best practice to grow participation

We have a tremendous and South Korea, to develop athletes high quality competition but the My Pledge.3 varied sport and it is our duty to and to facilitate their transfer to Para-cycling calendar is presently work harder so that more and more programmes at the World Cycling bare. We need to increase the people throughout the world enjoy Centre at Aigle. I know how number of races and raise standards it. We should have the ambition inspirational time spent at Aigle can by providing better support and to be the number one sport in all be for aspiring young riders, and working closer with event organisers. five continents. I am committed to expanding the number of opportunities we offer. We must improve the way the UCI If elected President I will ensure there works with its Confederations and is a properly resourced International One of the penalties cycling has Federations so that best practice Development Department tasked paid for being embroiled in in developing participation in with building our sport across the unnecessary conflicts is a loss grassroots events and everyday five continents, with a focus on of influence within the Olympic cycling is spread across the world. At providing support where it is Movement - our sport was not British Cycling we have made great needed most. represented on the IOC Commission steps forward in this, and in linking evaluating bids for the 2020 Games. growth via effective talent pathways I will ensure the further development The Olympic Games is the global to the top of the sport. Success at of the programmes available at the shop window for sport. Therefore, the elite level has inspired more and World Cycling Centre, by increasing the UCI must regain its status as more people into the sport which its budget, hosting more riders from a key International Federation if has given us more talent to develop. developing nations, and utilising the cycling is not to lose ground to other This virtuous cycle can be replicated experience of the more successful sports at the Games. I shall also worldwide. nations in the Centre to help nurture undertake a review of the Olympic cycling in developing nations. I want and Paralympic qualification criteria I will also create a Federations’ to see more courses organised for to ensure the best athletes from Commission to enhance sport directors, coaches, mechanics, around the world are represented. communication between the UCI, commissaires, and event organisers the Continental Confederations and I will increase resources to I pledge to work with the IOC to and the National Federations to ensure this happens. increase athlete quotas, expand ensure that the internal resources disciplines and fight for the return of at the UCI are better focussed on Much more can be done to facilitate popular and classic track disciplines maintaining proper open lines of the transfer of knowledge and such as the individual pursuit and communication with the Federations. “We have a tremendous expertise to less developed nations, the points race. Freestyle BMX and I am proud that the coaching and MTB Eliminator events are also With a more open, collegiate and varied sport and it is and education materials that the under consideration and I will work approach to UCI operations and a our duty to work harder UCI uses throughout the world for for their addition to the Olympic move away from conflict, we can track, road, MTB and BMX were programme. Having paid many deliver significant savings from so that more and more developed by my federation. I shall exciting visits to the UCI World legal costs. This will mean that more create the structures and incentives Cup event at Fort William, I want resources can be focussed on the people throughout the for a series of development initiatives to see MTB Downhill gain Olympic UCI’s core business of developing world enjoy it. We should between federations. consideration also. the sport worldwide, with more outreach staff to help Federations have the ambition to be I will also look at creating more It is also important that we support establish and enhance the sport in the number one sport in World Cycling Satellite Centres, more international events for their regions. all five continents.” like the ones in South Africa and Para-cyclists. Athletes thrive on My Pledge.4

Develop women’s cycling

• Create a Women’s Cycling Commission • New events and broadcast initiatives for women riders • Appoint at least one woman on every UCI Commission • Introduce modern employment standards for women pro riders

There is huge potential to grow be broadcast on television and women’s cycling at all levels and I the UCI needs to lead the way in “Women’s cycling will make it my priority to create new finding ways to significantly increase currently suffers from opportunities for women’s cycling its media coverage, which will in in all disciplines, particularly the turn improve its attractiveness to a lack of advocacy professional road scene. During sponsors. We must also support and and representation; the UCI’s lifetime, there have been encourage National Federations to tremendous changes in society take responsibility for developing it must have its own addressing historical imbalances women’s cycling at grass roots Commission with between the sexes, and under my level and establishing clear talent leadership the UCI will mirror those pathways for the best riders. representatives changes in the sport of cycling. from riders, teams, If the UCI is to become a modern Women’s cycling currently suffers and progressive International sponsors and from a lack of advocacy and Federation, we must ensure that representation; it must have its own there are rules specifying teams the media.” Commission with representatives guarantee a minimum wage for from riders, teams, sponsors and the women pro road riders and proper, media. I will immediately establish modern terms of employment. I this Commission which will be commit to achieving this in my first supported by a full time staff position year in office. dedicated to the development of women’s cycling across all disciplines. The UCI also needs to embed the views of women’s cycling into all its We must focus on creating new decision making bodies. To this end, events on the professional calendar I will ensure at least one woman for women riders, working closely is appointed to a Commission with organisers, teams and Presidency, and there is at least one broadcasters. I believe that for woman on every UCI Commission. women’s cycling to flourish it must Overhaul the structure of elite road cycling My Pledge.5

• Create a simpler more cohesive events calendar • Establish a strong global series of tiered races for up-and-coming athletes and events • Introduce a clear set of criteria for aspiring races • Ensure rigorous ethical and financial standards for teams • Refocus the Global Cycling Promotion unit

“The UCI must work The structure of elite cycling needs Tour of Beijing, are unclear even to to provide a clear and compelling those within the UCI. I will ensure with its stakeholders to narrative that is easy for spectators, absolute transparency of its purpose create a structure that sponsors and broadcasters to follow. and function and will eliminate GCP’s At present it does not. The UCI must conflicts of interest with other race elevates all events around work with its stakeholders to create promoters. Its focus should shift to a structure that elevates all events elevating existing and new races the world so they are part around the world so they are part of around the world. This can be done of something greater than something greater than stand-alone by providing development capital events. This can be done by using and expertise in a way that shares stand-alone events.” existing events to create a coherent, the benefits equitably with the cohesive, and meaningful series independent organisers and national of races worldwide, dedicated to federations. determining a true world number one. We must also help professional teams, their employees, and Cycling’s popularity must grow athletes by structuring a system worldwide, and in a way that is that promotes long term financial healthy and ethical to help athletes, stability. Business principles must race promoters, and fans. This will be embraced to help teams secure make the sport stronger and more long term investment that will vibrant to audiences everywhere. make for a healthier employment Once we have re-established trust environment. A more stable in cycling’s anti-doping procedures, economic environment will also help I firmly believe that our sport will us promote strong ethical standards. attract more sponsors, broadcast partners and race organisers. But Work is already under way on some we also need a clear set of criteria of these issues. But it needs to against which aspiring races, move more quickly and it is currently particularly in underrepresented inhibited by a lack of confidence parts of the world, can be assessed. in the UCI. The whole can become greater than the sum of its parts. I The operations and status of the commit to completing the overhaul UCI’s Global Cycling Promotion of the structure of elite road in the (GCP) unit, which has developed the first term of my Presidency. Embrace the future together

The UCI and cycling face some huge communication with anyone who has challenges as we look to the future. a positive contribution to make to Thank you But our great sport also has some our great sport. incredible opportunities - if we can for your grasp them. I believe that in my in I believe we need a new UCI consideration career in cycling I have personally defined by genuine collaboration demonstrated the leadership and a strategy to deal with the issues qualities to do just that. Restoring we face rather than reacting to trust and leading change are the situations as they arise. I hope you first steps to take. are able to support me in embracing the future together. This is my manifesto and I am proud of it, but I am determined to be a listening President, and so I welcome

My Pledge.6